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Fred Cooper Improves After Surgery

by Chuck Sheley |

From Cherie Cooper (8-16-10):

On August 1, Fred (NCSB-62) had quadruple bypass surgery and a valve repair. He is in St. Patrick's Hospital in Missoula. He spent 5 days in the intensive care unit before being moved to the cardiac unit. It has been a bumpy road with complications along the way. If Fred continues to improve as expected, he may he released to go home on Wednesday, August 18.

Fred spent the 2 weeks before his unexpected surgery working as crew leader on two National Smokejumper Association, volunteer projects. After a 30-mile, round-trip hike into the Bob Marshall Wilderness to re-roof a Forest Service cabin, Fred spent the second week in Glacier National Park on trail restoration.