Madras mayor recovering, making ‘great strides’

(Update: Mayor improves to fair condition; all urged to learn hands-only CPR)

Madras Mayor Richard Ladeby, who collapsed on the city-owned golf course on Wednesday, “made great strides in his recovery” by late Thursday, city officials said in an update Friday morning.

“I spoke with the mayor this morning and he was in good spirits. He and his wife appreciate everyone’s support while he continues his recovery,” said Police Chief Tanner Stanfill, adding that Ladeby is now in fair condition.

However, the city said it’s expected that he will remain under medical care for some time. As a result, Council Chair Bartt Brick will serve as interim mayor until Ladeby returns to his seat.

“Many things can be attributed to Mayor Ladeby’s successful recovery including quick and capable response of emergency medical staff and law enforcement, the transport and care given by air medical, but also hands-only CPR provided by a willing bystander which greatly increased his chance of survival,” the city statement said.

“Mayor Ladeby benefited from all of these interventions and we, along with his family and friends, are extremely grateful,” they added.

Hands-only CPR is something everyone can do, and the city encouraged community members to become trained in this vital, life-saving technique.

“You never know when, where, or who you might be able to help. It was definitely a link in the chain of survival for our mayor,” the city statement said.

The American Heart Association has some great videos available on their website to help you learn. This is one of their favorites.

“If you would like to send a note of encouragement to Mayor Ladeby, please mail or drop them off at City Hall, 125 SW “E” Street, Madras 97741 and we’ll make sure he receives them,” the statement concluded.

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Earlier info:

Ladeby, 67, collapsed just before noon Wednesday at the city-owned Desert Peaks Golf Club, Jefferson County Sheriff Jim Adkins said in a posting to the sheriff’s office Facebook page Wednesday evening.

“Fortunately, another golfer started CPR while the ambulance (EMS) responded,” Adkins said.

He said Life Flight was dispatched to the scene and Ladeby was flown to the Bend hospital, where he was moved to the intensive care unit.

Ladeby ” does have some movement,” Stanfill said. “He has opened his eyes a few times, but he is not out of the woods, and he remains in critical condition.”

The police chief offered thanks to the Jefferson County EMS and fire agencies for their quick response, as well as the citizens on scene who “stepped up to the plate” to help Ladeby after he fell ill.

“All city employees are thinking of him, and he and his wife and family are in our thoughts,” Stanfill said.

Adkins asked that all “pray for Richard’s quick recovery and that God grants (his wife) Cheryl the grace to deal with the stress. She is strong and is trusting the Lord during this dark day.”

Ladeby, who arrived in Madras in 2007, was elected mayor last fall. A brief biography on the city website said Ladeby, who recently retired from Deer Ridge Correctional Institution, “got to know his neighbors by starting a Neighborhood Watch program.”

“He serves on the city’s Planning Commission and enjoys helping to shape the future of the town,” it states.