Fire chief who led Kelowna, B.C., through 2003 wildfire comes out of coma
Published Thursday July 9th, 2009
KELOWNA, B.C. - Former Kelowna, B.C., fire chief Gerry Zimmermann is on the mend.
The man who inspired Kelowna residents as he led them through the 2003 forest fire that destroyed hundreds of area homes, has been fighting acute pancreatitis.
The 60-year-old was hospitalized in early May but his condition deteriorated and he was placed on a respirator and kept in a drug-induced coma for weeks.
Family spokesman Tim Schroeder says Zimmermann is now off the respirator, he's smiling, talking and even able to get out of bed for short periods every day.
Schroeder says Zimmermann's recovery will be lengthy and he could remain in hospital for several months.
Zimmermann retired as Kelowna's fire chief in 2005 but is still fondly remembered in the Okanagan and hundreds attended a prayer service in May to express their wishes for his speedy recovery.
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