Wayland fire chief leaves hospital after heart emergency

WAYLAND, Mich. — After a sudden heart emergency sent him to the hospital, Chief Jim Stoddard is finally making progress.

The Wayland fire chief was sent to Butterworth Hospital in critical condition on April 26. He is now heading to Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital to continue his recovery.

“We are very proud of him and the efforts he has made to get to this point in his recovery,” the ministry said in a statement.

After announcing his situation, the department said he would need care from the community.

“We understand that our community is incredibly generous and supportive, so the question 'what can we do to help?' will inevitably arise. At this time, we ask everyone to support Chief Stoddard, his family, and his medical team in your prayers,” the message read.

They started a campaign to send letters to Stoddard while he was in the hospital and asking for prayers every Sunday.

“We now look forward to the next big step when we can welcome Chef Stoddard home!” they wrote on Monday.

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