Man with a mission: David Hebert assists others like himself who suffered catastrophic injuries

Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) David Hebert of Irondequoit emerges from his handicap-accessible van at a local restaurant. (Center) David Hebert can drive his vehicle using special hand controls. (Right) David Hebert swings from his wheelchair into the driver’s seat of his van.

IRONDEQUOIT – If there is one thing which defines David Hebert, it is his motto, “SITPROUD!”

The Irondequoit resident has been a paraplegic for 39 years. Paralyzed from the chest down, Hebert now shares his story in hopes others like him will realize they can live a happy, fulfilling life.

Hebert, 58, was a passenger in his best friend Steve’s car, when on June 2, 1985 Steve convinced him to go to Charlotte Beach for a couple of drinks.

The evening ended when their car hit a tree at 85 miles per hour.

“The car accident left me paralyzed from the chest down,” Hebert said. “Although the word ‘accident’ is defined as an unfortunate incident, I have been nothing but fortunate since that day. The accident obviously changed me physically, but it also molded me into the person I am today. It has provided me with focus, drive, resilience and purpose. I am mentally and physically stronger than the person I was 39 years ago.”

Provided photo: Randy Bower, right, sits in a wheelchair designed for him by David Hebert of Irondequoit, an assistive technology specialist. Since meeting, the two have become best friends. This photo is from 2016 when Bower was Orleans County sheriff.

He continues to say the accident has allowed him to gain a large group of family and friends.

“I have met people I would never have crossed paths with if it was not for my accident,” Hebert said. “I was blessed with the opportunity to be part of the Rochester Wheels. The knowledge I gained from this group of guys was invaluable. I could have never learned what I have in school. It just can’t be taught. It has to be lived.”

Hebert was also able to find the path to the job he does now as an assistive technology specialist, designing and selling assistive equipment for people with different kinds and severities of disabilities.

“It’s the most gratifying job anyone could ask for,” Hebert said. “I live the life, and can show others there is good to come after injury or loss. Just strive high. And, of course, SITPROUD!!!”

SITPROUD!!! has become his motto and trademark. And what he does best.

Hebert has played wheelchair basketball for the Rochester Wheels and the European Venture Philanthropy Association’s Buffalo Chariots. He lifts weights 40 minutes a night and wheels at least two miles four times a week.

He has been married, although now divorced, and has a 13-year-old son.

In his own home he has devised a stair lift to the basement and one upstairs. He has a wheelchair on every level.

He has worked with former sheriff Randy Bower for many years, having designed him a new, lightweight, rigid wheelchair.

Bower praised Hebert for his work for those with physical disabilities and his compassion.

“David is my doctor, my physical therapist and my psychiatrist, as well as my friend,” Bower said. “He’s the first call I make whenever I have any issue. An example is when I tore my rotator cuff. Getting in and out of my van was very difficult. I called David and he told me how to get in and I’ve been doing it ever since. After our first meeting, he was a friend for life.”

Bower was also injured in an automobile accident – in 1983. When he needed his first wheelchair, a person with no handicap came to evaluate him, but when he was ready for his second chair, it was Hebert who showed up. That impressed Bower, because he knew someone in a similar position would understand his needs better.

“He is so knowledgeable in his field,” Bower said. “Selling you a wheelchair is the extra he gives you. Now he is a good friend, and we both still live fast and busy.”

Hebert works at Tim’s Trims in Rochester as a sales person, providing people with specialized equipment and vehicles to get them back out on the road.

“It’s not about what you can’t do,” Hebert said. “It’s what you can do.”

Although paralyzed from the chest down in a motor vehicle accident 39 years ago, David Hebert leads a very active life, including collecting and driving vintage cars. The license plate reflects his motto, “SITPROUD!”