Chelsea Fire Chief Jim Payeur is back at work in the Chelsea Area Fire Authority fire house following a serious farming accident.
On Friday, May 23 about 7:30 p.m., he was hooking up a piece of farming equipment when he was struck by the tractor resulting in a large laceration to his upper thigh, blood loss and broken bones.
“I’d like to thank everyone in this fire department for their prayers, help and support and also the outpouring of prayers and support from the community,” Payeur said.
On Monday, June 9, after a week in ICU and a week in a step-down unit at U-M Hospital, he returned to the fire station wearing a clamshell to protect his pelvis, while traveling in a specialized van used by his late father-in-law that’s fitted for a motorized wheelchair.
“To be in ICU one week and in rehab the next is unheard of,” Payeur said, crediting the power of prayer for his quick recovery from significant injuries.
“The outpouring of prayers and support from a lot of people — I believe strongly in the power of prayer — and there were a lot of people praying for me. I believe that’s why after such a significant injury, I was able to come back much quicker than any of the medical professionals thought I would. They were shocked and amazed at my progress,” he said.
His only limitation is his mobility, which is restricted by weight limits.
“I can’t thank these guys (the firefighters) enough for picking up the slack while I was gone; they were very helpful and supportive,” Payeur said.
But even from his hospital bed, Payeur said he was handling administrative duties and kept in close contact with the firefighters. “I put out directives to the captains and we maintained the operation.”
Now that he’s back, Payeur says “my only limitation is I can’t go to a scene, but this summer I expect to be back to full strength.”
The community welcomes you back, chief.
