S.D. Chief Recovering After Blow From Tree Limb

Oct. 16--Ipswich Fire Chief Michael Heinz, who was seriously injured in an accident Oct. 5, says it would have been worse if not for the care he received from his colleagues.

Heinz has been at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls since part of a tree that was on fire fell on his shoulder, causing multiple fractures.

He was one of 13 Ipswich firefighters who responded to the fire northeast of Ipswich about 1:30 a.m.

Heinz, 41, gives a lot of credit to Ipswich Fire and Rescue and Ipswich Ambulance for the efficient way he was placed on a backboard, said his wife, Kelly. If those personnel had not stabilized his back properly, she said, he might have been paralyzed.

The limb delivered a strong blow. He has about seven fractures within his body, Kelly Heinz said. He has fractures in his right scapula and his left leg, multiple rib fractures and a bad spine fracture, she said.

The tree landed on top of his shoulder and "kind of just pile-drived him into the ground," Kelly said.

The scene was six miles north of Craven Corner, two miles east and a mile north.

After a short stay at Avera St. Luke's in Aberdeen, Heinz was taken by helicopter to Sioux Falls.

Since then, he's had two operations -- one on his leg and one on his back. On Wednesday, he was admitted to the Sanford rehab unit.

He's able to take a few steps. His prognosis is good, and a full recovery is expected, but it will take three to six months, Kelly said.

Doctors say that "with him being young and healthy, he should be able to get out of here sooner than most," said Kelly, who has been with her husband in Sioux Falls since the accident.

A problem is the nerve damage in his back, which affects his legs, she said. But the therapy is helping make him stronger, she said.

A short-term goal is attending the state cross country meet in Sioux Falls on Saturday. Their middle child, 12-year-old Macy, will compete at that event, and Michael wants to attend it.

"Even if we bring him in a wheelchair, we want to get him there," she said.

Kelly Heinz knows medicine. She is a magnetic resonance imaging technologist at Avera St. Luke's, where she has worked for 18 years.

Michael has been with the Ipswich fire department for seven years, the chief for one year.

The couple has two other children, Tara, 14, and Trevor, 6.

The Heinzes have had a lot of support from family and friends, Kelly said. People have been bringing food to the house, taking care of the kids and doing yardwork.

"Somebody took care of our water bill for us because it was due on the 10th," she said.

"Our fire department's taking it pretty tough," firefighter Michael Hammrich said. "But we're sure relieved that he's alive and that he's going to walk again."

The firemen are eager to help the family.

"I told Kelly we have 25 firefighters, and all she has to do is ask and somebody's going to get it done," Hammrich said.

Hammrich said Heinz is "a nice young gentleman" who does a lot for the community.

For the most part, the couple is doing OK in Sioux Falls.

"It's just that we miss our kids," Kelly said.

Ipswich residents are planning a fundraiser Nov. 18 at Holy Cross Hall.

Cards may be sent to Room 4319, Sanford Hospital, 1305 W. 18th St., Sioux Falls, SD 57117.