SAVANNAH, Ga. () – Chatham County Sheriff John Wilcher is on the road to recovery, his family said Wednesday, his 80th birthday.

On June 16, he was admitted to the hospital in critical condition after a cardiac event.

A statement from the family reads:

Your messages and gestures of support have been a tremendous source of strength for our family. We continue to be touched by the community’s solidarity and the love shown by the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office.

We are pleased to tell you he is well on the road to recovery and continues to improve every day. In true John Wilcher fashion, he is as cantankerous as ever. He is receiving exceptional care from his dedicated medical team and we appreciate their efforts. 

We ask that you continue to keep Sheriff Wilcher in your thoughts and prayers. 

The Wilcher family thanked the public for respecting their privacy.

Anyone who wishes to send a card or note to the sheriff is asked to address it to the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, 1050 Carl Griffin Drive, Savannah, Georgia 31405.