Walker Fire Chief Russell Shoultz Dies After Medical Emergency

The Walker community is mourning the loss of its fire chief, Russell Shoultz, who died following a medical emergency. The city announced the news on Friday, May 1, 2026.

Walker Fire Chief Russell Shoultz unexpectedly died due to a medical emergency, according to a release from the City of Walker.

Shoultz was 50 years old and had served as Walker Fire Chief since July 1, 2025. His career in emergency services spanned more than 30 years.

He also served as Deputy Chief at the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal, Fire Chief at Stennis International Airport, and held multiple leadership roles in both fire and emergency medical services across Mississippi and Louisiana.

According to WZZM13, Shoultz was a licensed nurse practitioner and veteran of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Coast Guard Reserves. He deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan during his military service.

Before joining the Walker Fire Department, Shoultz most recently served as Chief of Special Operations at the St. George Fire Department in Louisiana.

A Legacy of Service

Mayor Gary Carey held a press conference at the Walker Fire Station on Lake Michigan Drive Friday afternoon to share details about the loss.

This is a profound loss for our community, said Mayor Carey. Carey remembered the late fire chief during the press conference.

The mayor described Shoultz as someone who led with purpose and prioritized people.

He led with purpose and he prioritized people, said Mayor Carey. But today, more than anything, we remember the man behind the uniform.

A memorial will be set up at Fire Station 1 on Remembrance Road. A public service will be held, though Mayor Carey did not provide details at the time of the announcement.

Department Response

As firefighters mourn the loss of their chief, crews from neighboring departments staffed Walker's fire stations starting Friday morning. That arrangement is set to continue through the rest of the weekend, said the Mayor.

Out of respect for the family, the city will not release more details about how Shoultz died, said Carey.

Community Impact

Shoultz was credited with being a positive member of the team that serves neighbors in Walker. The department transitioned to a 24/7 staffing model under his leadership.

Under his leadership, Walker Fire Department transitioned to a 24/7 staffing model, said Mayor Carey.

Carey emphasized that the change would not have happened without Chief Shoultz's leadership.

Family and First Responders

The impact of the loss extends beyond the Walker Fire Department. Shoultz's family is based in Louisiana, and the loss is being felt deeply within the fire department and across all public safety teams and partners in West Michigan.

We also recognize that this loss is also being felt deeply within our fire department and across all of our public safety teams and partners in West Michigan, said Carey.

The city asked that privacy be honored during this difficult time for the family and fellow first responders.