He’s the happiest man in Bristol. Mayor Art Ward was back on the job leading the city for the first time since he choked on a piece of steak 7 weeks ago.
Mayor Ward says he was choking for four to five minutes before the Heimlich maneuver worked. He was taken to the hospital where he was placed into a medically induced coma for 10 days.
After he was brought out of the coma he spent six more days in the hospital until he was released, but just a few days later an infection put him back in the hospital. He’s now been home for more than two weeks and is thrilled to be going back to work.
“You can’t express the gratitude to the whole community as far as the outpouring of prayers and support,” said Ward. “It’s just been totally amazing.”
The staff at city hall lined up in front of Mayor Ward’s office and gave him a round of applause as he walked in for the first time.
Mary Suchopar, the mayor’s personal assistant was one of the most personally affected by the accident.
“The most difficult part of it was trying to give updates to the public as far as his condition, trying to maintain his privacy,” said Suchopar.
Mayor Ward will work four to five hours a day to for now.
