Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
MILFORD - Town Marshal Dave Hobbs is back at his home, recovering from a motorcycle accident that left him hospitalized for more than 40 days.
Hobbs' brother, Mike, said he brought Dave home to Milford July 29 from Parkview Memorial Hospital, Fort Wayne. Hobbs suffered serious injuries when his motorcycle struck a pickup June 20.
The town and area are continuing to reach out to the marshal, who served Milford for 20 years. The disability insurance from the town provides Dave only $95 per week, and he has no other income while he recovers.
His family and friends already hosted one benefit Sunday at the Syracuse American Legion that raised more than $10,000. The money went into the trust fund set up for Dave at First National Bank, Milford branch.
Another benefit is in the works for October at the North Webster American Legion, according to Mike.
"The family is very appreciative of everything everyone has done," Mike said. The first benefit brought more than 300 people from four counties to see Dave and raise money for his convalescence.
Dave's medical bills are currently covered by the insurance company of the teen-ager who was driving the pickup that struck him. The rest of the bills will be paid by Milford's insurance, Mike said.
During the accident investigation, Benjamin Gates, 18, told police that he was driving on Armstrong Road near Oswego, waiting to turn north onto CR 350E. A group of motorcycles passed Gates and he started to turn when Dave's westbound motorcycle struck the pickup.
Most of Dave's injuries were on the left side, Mike said, including his hips, pelvis, foot and knee. But his head received only abrasions, leading Mike to say " he was very lucky."
The four surgeries Dave went through totalled 24-1/2 hours and tried to repair both hips and stabilize his ankle. He also underwent reconstructive surgery on his ankle, foot and right hand, and received skin grafts.
Dave remembers all the details of the accident, said his brother. Some doctors say that remembering the accident is good because it can speed the emotional recovery process, Mike said.
Dave requires 24-hour care because he can't move his left leg without help, according to Mike.
"He will be wheelchair bound for at least eight weeks," Mike said of Dave. Mike noted that it is the longest time Dave has been down since he was wounded in Vietnam.
Mike, his wife, and Dave's daughter, Melanie, have taken care of Dave since he came home.
He also said the doctors won't speculate on whether Dave will have a full recovery after he is out of the wheelchair and begins intensive physical therapy.
"I don't think anyone will have the answer for months," Mike said.
Meanwhile, more than 20 volunteers worked together to make Dave's home wheelchair accessible. Mike said the men widened door frames and redid Dave's bathroom to make it easier for him to get around the house. They also constructed a wheelchair ramp outside for easier access. All the materials for the project were donated by area businesses.
"It's been overwhelming," Mike said of the community outpouring for his brother. "If it happened in a big town, I don't think we would have had near the results we had." He said in the old-fashioned small town atmosphere of the area, "everyone comes together to help."
Although the Hobbs' brothers are eager for Dave to recover, Mike said, the doctors cautioned them to slow down and wait for the healing process to progress.
