WENTZVILLE, Mo. – 50-year-old Wentzville Fire Capt. Tommy Shine is hospitalized in critical condition following an unexpected twist that’s fueled a wave of emotions for his wife, five children, and an entire community.

“I’ve been told at least three times that he probably wouldn’t make it through the night,” his wife, Brittany Shine, said.

Her husband fell in October. A trip to the hospital revealed he needed heart surgery, and the procedure appeared to be a success. As Shine’s wife left after visiting hours ended, she received an unexpected call saying her husband’s heart stopped beating and was not expected to survive.

“We’re talking about a guy who jumped in a frozen lake to save someone’s life,” Wentzville Fire Department Chief Steve Mosher said. “It’s no surprise to me that he’s fighting as hard to save his own life.”

It was January of 2015 when teens in Lake St. Louis fell into icy water. Shine found John Smith, a teen who was trapped underwater for nearly 15 minutes, and pulled him to safety. The teen was in a coma but made a full recovery amidst an avalanche of prayers and community support.

The entire rescue fueled the movie “Breakthrough,” an account of the rescue and the role those involved believe faith played in the outcome.

Smith, now an adult, went to the hospital when he heard Shine was fighting for his life. Mosher was also there and felt chills over what happened next.

“John showed up at the hospital, and the moment he got off the elevator, Tommy got his heartbeat back,” Brittany said.

Her husband remains in critical condition, with his future uncertain. 

Brittany believes that her gut-wrenching experience serves as a powerful reminder that personal possessions are insignificant compared to the time spent with loved ones. She encourages others to cherish every minute they spend with those they care about.

She continues to ask for prayers and is grateful for the chance to communicate with her husband the past few days, no matter what happens next.

“This is the Tommy that we’re used to, waking up and shocking everyone, just making things happen that you wouldn’t think were possible,” Mosher said.

Brittany added, “It’s a roller coaster, ups and downs every single day, but I definitely think he’s shown us his story is not over yet.”