Elberta Police Chief Stan DeVane remains hospitalized in Colorado following a horseback riding accident, but members of the Elberta community came together last week to lift up DeVane in thoughts and prayers.

Residents, local law enforcement members and town officials gathered in Elberta’s public park Wednesday night for a candlelight prayer vigil with over 100 attendees. Prayers were said, thoughts were shared and residents took time to sign a card police department officials will send to DeVane’s hospital.

DeVane was injured while horseback riding out west when his horse bucked him and he fell. DeVane broke seven ribs and some of his teeth.

Following the accident, DeVane also developed a bacterial infection in his blood and is suffering from pneumonia.

DeVane remains in the hospital in Denver being treated for the ailments but friends back in Elberta say they know he is going to be able to make it through this.

“Anyone who knows Chief DeVane knows he is a strong person, so we want him to get better and get back to us as soon as he is able,” Acting Elberta Mayor Michael Hudson said. “We want him to know he’s got the thoughts and prayers of our entire town behind him, asking God to make him whole again and get him back to us safely.”

Hudson said they expect DeVane to remain in the hospital for a few more weeks while he continues to fight the illnesses.