Bellaire Mayor Hospitalized, To Undergo Heart Surgery
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BELLAIRE - Bellaire Mayor Robert Dodrill will undergo triple-bypass heart surgery in the coming weeks, he announced in a news release Tuesday.
He will step away from his official duties while he prepares for surgery and recovers.
Dodrill was hospitalized prior to the Oct. 15 village council meeting which he was unable to attend.
“Being mayor of Bellaire is one the greatest honors of my life, and I’ve poured my heart into it, maybe more than I should have,” Dodrill said. “Now my doctors are telling me it’s time to take care of that heart. I owe that to my wife, Dena, and to our children, Robert, Austin and Sara. They’ve stood by me through every hard day of this past year, and they need me healthy.”
He hates that he has to step away while dealing with the medical emergency, but said he will return to the job.
"I’ll be back, and I'll be stronger for it,” he said. “To everyone who has called, sent messages and kept my family in their prayers, thank you. It has meant more than you know.”
Village services and operations will continue as provided under Ohio law during his absence. According to Ohio Revised Code, if a mayor is unable to perform his duties, the village council’s president pro tempore steps in as acting mayor.
Dodrill added that he appreciates the understanding, support and prayers from the community during this time.
He said that he looks forward to returning to his duties as soon as his health permits.