LAURENS COUNTY, Ga. — A Laurens County captain is in the hospital recovering after a major heart attack, according to a Facebook post from Laurens County Sheriff Larry Dean.
"Please keep Captain Justin Shirley and his family in your thoughts and prayers. Captain Shirley had a serious medical condition this morning and is now recovering. Captain Shirley needs lots of prayers," a post from the Laurens County Sheriff's Office Facebook page said.
Captain Justin Shirley had a major heart attack on Friday, according to a post from his wife on Facebook.
" I thought I had lost my best friend. But God heard our cries for help and my husband is alive! Zane, Hudson, and myself will forever be grateful for this community and the love that has been shown. Everyone that responded and worked on Justin, I am forever grateful. You promised you would do everything you could, and you did. Thank you so much again. We are truly blessed. And most of all, thank you to God our savior," the post said.
Shirley was flown to a Jacksonville hospital for further treatment and a GoFundMe was started to help the family with medical bills and accommodations while they are in Florida.
Currently, the fundraiser has over $3,000 in donations towards it's $20,000 goal.
Sheriff Larry Dean also posted on Facebook about the captain.
"By now, many of you know that our own, Captain Justin Shirley experienced a life-threatening medical emergency yesterday. He has been life-flighted to Jacksonville. His family is traveling down for an unknown amount of time. As Sheriff, Justin isn’t just an employee, he is family. We are doing everything possible to make sure his family’s needs are being met and if you would like to help, you can donate to the GoFundMe link below. Ultimately, cover Justin and his family in your prayers. Thank you," the sheriff said.