Walker Fire Chief Russell Shoultz. The city announced on May 1 that he had died from a medical emergency. Photo: From: City of Walker.
WALKER, Mich. -- Walker Fire Chief Russell Shoultz died early Friday morning. The city says in a news release the unexpected passing resulted from a medical emergency.
Mayor Gary Carey held a news conference Friday afternoon in Standale to talk about the 52-year-old's passing.
"(Shoultz was) someone who chose a life of service for over three decades and lived it fully," he said. "We also recognize that this loss is also being felt deeply within our fire department and across all of our public safety teams and partners in West Michigan, and his ... family down in Louisiana."
Carey said a public memorial is being organized.
"Chief Shoultz served the Walker community with dedication and professionalism, leading the Walker Fire Department with a strong commitment to public safety," the city said in the release.
It added, "Out of respect for the Chief’s family and fellow first responders, we ask that their privacy be honored during this difficult time."
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