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A firefighter who serves his community was recently treated to a special homecoming after suffering a medical emergency while on vacation.

After being in the hospital for a week Red House Fire Chief Chad Reeves and his family were escorted home over the weekend by Red House Fire Department Engine 9 where he was surprised by family, friends, and fellow firefighters.

Reeves, a member of the Lynchburg Fire Department was on a cruise with his family when just a few hours into the trip he suffered a heart attack.

The ship’s medical team were able to care for Reeves until the ship arrived at port in the Bahamas where he was then flown back to Florida for treatment.

Reeves, 38 reached the hospital about 18 hours after his heart attack began, and doctors were able to perform a cardiac catheterization where they removed a clot from his artery that caused the attack.

After spending a little over a week in the hospital Reeves was able to return home over the weekend but is still recovering.

On his FaceBook page, Reeves posted how he felt about the special homecoming.

“Wow! What a welcoming back home last night. I appreciate every single one who had a part in it and for all the calls, texts, and prayers over the last 8 days. To say this past week has been an emotional roller coaster would be an understatement and I believe I may ride it for a while. The best three words that come to mind, I AM BLESSED. I’ve waited so long to post anything on here because I know I will never put into words the love I have for each of you and how much y’all mean to me.”

While Reeves is recovering he will be out of work and to help ease the financial burden members of the community are planning a silent auction on Saturday, Aug. 25 at 5 p.m. in conjunction with a fundraising dinner.

Donations for the silent auction are being accepted until Aug. 18.

For any other inquiries or to have donations picked up, contact Laura Briceland at (434) 941- 6357 or Ashlie Shealy at (434) 548-1405.