A Johnson County firefighter is out of the Intensive Care Unit after suffering a blood clot while on the job.
Brian Williams, who works as the Captain of Johnson County Rural Fire District 1 near Clarksville, suffered the blood clot on Wednesday (Oct. 22), according to Fire Chief Craig Beerman.
Beerman said Williams was first taken to a local hospital before being taken by medical helicopter to a hospital in Fort Smith, where he was in the ICU as of Sunday morning. According to Williams' family, he was downgraded Sunday, but is still being closely watched by doctors due to his condition.
Williams is still unconscious, but is responding when doctors ask him to squeeze their hands, according to his family members.
"The doctors did a tracheostomy and put him on a ventilator," Beerman said. "This is just really tough. It's really hit home for all of us at the fire department."
Williams has worked with the fire department, which is made up of volunteers, since 1996, according to Beerman. In addition, Williams works at Baldor Electric in Clarksville.
As for Williams' family, they say they're trying to stay positive, hoping that he pulls through.
"We are all in high spirits and keep lifting him up in Prayer," Williams' daughter, Ashley, said. "All we can do is keep encouraging him and staying positive."
AsHaley Williams also told 5NEWS that Sunday (Nov. 3) her dad mouthed the words 'I love you,' while she was visiting him at the hospital, giving her hope that he will soon open his eyes again.
The fire department is working to raise money for Williams' family to help with the medical bills. A fund has been set up at First Security Bank in Clarksville under 'Brian Williams Donation Fund'. In addition, Beerman said the department plans to raffle off a hunting gun sometime soon, with the profits going to the Williams' family.