Wayland Fire Chief Jim Stoddard has returned home after an extended stay in the hospital and in rehab at Mary Free Bed.

Stoddard was hospitalized at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids after suffering a heart attack in April while he was driving to attend an event. His passengers quickly came to his aid and saved his life applying CPR.

The Fire Department this afternoon posted on Facebook, “”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. Today marked the 68th day he was in the hospital and are glad to have him back in the community.

At this time we still ask that his and his family’s privacy be respected and for continued prayers and well wishes.”

Stoodard, owner-operator of the C. Stoddard & Sons Oil Co., succeeded retiring Chief Joe Miller in 2021.