WAYLAND, Mich. — After 68 days, Wayland Fire Chief Jim Stoddard is finally returning home. Stoddard had a cardiac emergency on April 26, and has spent the last three months in the hospital and recovering at Mary Free Bed.
Now, the community is rallying around him as he returns home.
"Today we had the pleasure of welcoming home Chief Jim Stoddard by escorting him home and lining the streets to show our continued support in his recovery," reads a post on the City of Wayland Fire Department Facebook page on Wednesday.
After first announcing his situation in April, the department said Stoddard would need the community's care.
"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 request all to uplift Chief Stoddard, his family and his medical team in your prayers," the post said.
The fire department began a campaign to send Stoddard letters while he was in the hospital and asked for prayers each Sunday.
The department is now asking for privacy for Stoddard's family and for "continued prayers and well wishes." You can watch for any updates on the fire department's Facebook page.
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