Walker, MI, Fire Chief Dies after Medical Emergency
mlive.com
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WALKER, MI – The Walker community is mourning the unexpected loss of its fire chief, Russell “Rusty” Shoultz.
“He had an unwavering vision for what public safety means in a growing, vibrant community like Walker,” said Walker Mayor Gary Carey. “This is a profound loss for our community.”
Shoultz died early Friday morning following a medical emergency. Carey remembered the late fire chief Friday during a press conference at the Walker Fire Station on Lake Michigan Drive Friday afternoon.
He was joined by fellow city commissioners. Outside the station, an American flag flew at half-staff.
Shoultz started his role as fire chief July 1, 2025, and brought a new outlook to the department.
“In a relatively short time, his impact has been immediate,” Carey, who choked up with emotion at times, said. “He led with purpose, and he prioritized people.”
Under Shoultz’s leadership, the department became staffed 24 hours a day for the first time since 1937. He believed it would help firefighters respond quicker to emergencies across the city.
“Whether it was participating in community events supporting safety education efforts, or simply being present and approachable, Chief Shoultz believed strongly that public safety begins with relationships,” Carey said. “That belief was shown in his actions.”
Before coming to Michigan, Shoultz worked for large fire departments in Mississippi and Louisiana and was deputy chief of the Louisiana state fire marshal’s office.
He was also a licensed nurse practitioner and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Coast Guard Reserves.
“We also recognize that this loss is being felt deeply within our fire department, and across all of our public safety teams and partners in West Michigan,” Carey said.
“Today, more than anything, we remember the man behind the uniform. Someone who chose a life of service for over three decades and lived that life fully,” he added.
The city will release additional details regarding services in the near future.
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