Walker fire chief honored during West Michigan Whitecaps game Friday

Editor’s note: This video previously aired on May 1, 2026

PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — On Friday evening, the West Michigan Whitecaps honored Walker’s fire chief, who died unexpectedly last month. 

Russell “Rusty” Shoultz, was well-known throughout West Michigan and among first responders nationwide. Walker Mayor Gary Carey previously called the loss “profound.”

Shoultz was appointed to the role of fire chief last summer and his first day was July 1. He had more than 30 years of experience in fire protection, law enforcement, emergency response and public health. Just before coming to Walker, he was chief of special operations for the St. George Fire Protection District near Baton Rouge, Louisiana. 

Many first responders were in attendance Friday, with members of the fire department telling News 8 that it was impactful to see Shoultz honored. 

Walker firefighter Brendan Bennett said Shoultz was already preparing the department for his retirement. 

“Working with the skills he was teaching us, we still have the day to day things we have to do with our department and we’re still able to accomplish them well and I think he was getting us in a good spot for that,” Walker firefighter Brendan Bennett said.

— News 8’s Rachel Van Gilder and Katherine Connolly contributed to this report.