DeKalb Mayor Cohen Barnes walked back into City Council chambers Monday for the first time in a month, 30 days into a recovery he says will be a long one after a serious at-home accident left him with second- and third-degree burns covering more than 30% of his body. The Sept. 12 accident sent him to intensive care, and Monday marked his first in-person return to the dais since.
A Grueling Hospital Stay
Barnes detailed the severity of his injuries and recovery timeline in a statement addressing his monthlong absence, according to Shaw Local. He said he spent two weeks in a burn intensive care unit followed by another week in a stepdown unit before continuing his recovery outside the hospital. The accident required immediate medical attention the night it happened, per Northern Public Radio.
The mayor's path to treatment involved two medical facilities. His recovery began with emergency care at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital before he was moved to the burn intensive care unit at Loyola University Medical Center, according to Northern Star. Barnes specifically recognized the emergency room team at Kishwaukee and the burn ICU staff at Loyola for their care during his statement, the same Shaw Local report noted.
City Business Continued Remotely
Even while sidelined, Barnes kept working. The City of DeKalb said in an update that Mayor Barnes performed his official duties remotely with the assistance of City staff and modern technology, and that he is expected to make a full recovery. Meanwhile, council members rotated to preside over meetings in his absence, the radio station's report said.
The city's statement also addressed what happens procedurally when the mayor can't attend in person: the council may elect one of the alderpersons to act as a temporary chair under the city's municipal code and applicable law, officials said. Throughout that stretch, City Manager Bill Nicklas remained the administrative head of city government, responsible for the efficient administration of all city departments, according to the same city statement.
Gratitude for First Responders and Family
Barnes did not hold back his appreciation for those who helped him through the ordeal. He thanked the DeKalb Fire Department and the emergency medical technicians who responded the night of his accident, and said he and his family were overwhelmed by the support shown by community members, who sent prayers, cards, messages, phone calls, and words of encouragement, per the same account.
He also credited his wife and daughter with being by his side at every step of the recovery. Barnes said he was excited to return to his duties as the city's monthlong wait for his comeback finally came to an end Monday.
