Story and photos by Holly Netzley
Oscar “Big O” Sizemore’s life completely changed in May 2025, when he crashed his motorcycle through the glass doors of the Hazard Fire Department.
Sizemore and his motorcycle have been a staple in the Hazard, Kentucky, community for over 20 years.
Every day, Hazard residents spot Sizemore riding his red motorcycle on his way to get fried chicken from the Circle T Restaurant or a bottle of water from Sam’s Hot Dog Stand.
His attire consists of anything from a Santa suit to an Uncle Sam outfit, or even an Evil Knievel costume.
“Oscar is a Hazard legend,” said Brad Combs, a local tattoo artist.
Sizemore spends extra time in his Santa suit around Christmas time visiting the local schools and even leads the Black Gold Festival Parade in his Uncle Sam outfit.
After his wreck, Sizemore was airlifted to Johnson City, Tennessee, then sent to UK Chandler in Lexington, Kentucky, for open heart surgery.
“The doctors had gave up on me but the Lord looked after me,” said Sizemore, as he reminisced, teary eyed.
Sizemore has since made a speedy recovery.
“That’s the fastest I’ve ever seen someone recover from open heart surgery,” said Janet Smith, a Kentucky Farm Bureau employee whom Sizemore frequently visits.
Three weeks after his surgery, Sizemore was already back on his motorcycle, continuing to bring joy to the community.
View more work by Holly Netzley
