Video: Disabled Leonia Teen Tests New Wheels

LEONIA, N.J. — Borough police officers and residents gathered at the American Legion Hall on Tuesday morning to watch a disabled teen who had his wheelchair stolen last month take his first spin in his specialized replacement.

Leonia teen Courtney Machiri, 14, tries out his new wheelchair.

Photo Credit: Anthony Locicero

Leonia Police Chief Thomas Rowe said he was moved by the outpouring of support from the Leonia community and beyond.

Photo Credit: Anthony Locicero

A Quantum Rehab official presents Courtney, 14 of Leonia, with his new specialized replacement wheelchair with his mother.
Photo Credit: *Anthony Locicero*

Courtney Machiri and his parents.
Photo Credit: *Anthony Locicero*

Courtney Machiri celebrates after riding down the sidewalk in front of the American Legion Hall.
Photo Credit: *Anthony Locicero*

Cecilia Levine

08/23/2016 12:30 p.m.

An official from Quantum Rehab of Exeter, P.A. presented Courtney, 14, with the EDGE power chair.

"I'm going to call this the Rolls Royce of wheelchairs," Leonia Police Chief Thomas Rowe quipped.

Quantum officials gave Courtney instructions as he got a feel for his chair, navigating it up and down ramps and sidewalks along Broad Avenue.

"I had received emails, phone calls from people willing to help us get Courtney a wheelchair," Rowe said.

Rowe said he "almost lost faith in humanity" after Courtney's wheelchair was stolen but was moved by "the outpouring of support."

"When you look at the smile on Courtney's face," he added, "it's just a tremendous day."

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