5 Key Facts About Tommy Shine, The Wentzville Fire Captain Behind The Movie 'Breakthrough' And His Ongoing Health Battle

The community of Wentzville, Missouri, and the wider St. Louis area have rallied around one of their most beloved heroes, Fire Captain Tommy Shine, whose life story is far more dramatic than even Hollywood could fully capture. As of late 2025, the focus on Tommy Shine has shifted from his incredible 2015 icy water rescue—which inspired a major motion picture—to a much more personal and critical health struggle that has galvanized support from across the nation.

The name Tommy Shine is synonymous with courage, selfless service, and a real-life miracle, but recent updates have brought a wave of concern for the Wentzville Fire Protection District veteran. This article details the complete profile of the celebrated captain, the rescue that changed his life, the movie it inspired, and the latest on his current battle.

Tommy Shine: A Complete Biographical Profile

Captain Tommy Shine is a celebrated figure in the Wentzville, Missouri, community, known for his decades of service and a single, life-defining rescue. His profile is marked by dedication to public safety and an unexpected brush with Hollywood fame.

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• Full Name: Tommy Shine
• Role: Fire Captain
• Department: Wentzville Fire Protection District (WFPD)
• Location: Wentzville, Missouri (St. Charles County)
• Age: Approximately 50 (as of recent 2025 reports, based on 2015 age data)
• Spouse: Brittany Shine
• Most Notable Event: The 2015 rescue of three 14-year-old boys who fell through the ice on Lake St. Louis, most famously John Smith.
• Cultural Impact: His role in the rescue was portrayed by actor Mike Colter in the 2019 20th Century Fox film, Breakthrough.
• Current Status: Facing a critical, ongoing health battle (as reported in late 2024 and 2025).

The 2015 Rescue: The True Story Behind The 'Breakthrough' Movie

The event that cemented Tommy Shine's legacy occurred on January 19, 2015, on the frozen surface of Lake St. Louis. Three teenagers—John Smith, Josh Rieger, and Jake Smith—were walking across the ice when it gave way, plunging them into the frigid water.

A Race Against Time and The Icy Conditions

The Wentzville Fire Protection District, along with other first responders, rushed to the scene. Captain Shine was a key member of the rescue team. The conditions were treacherous, and the window for survival in the icy water was rapidly closing. Two of the boys were quickly pulled to safety, but John Smith was trapped underwater for an extended period, estimated at 15 minutes or more.

The 'Impossible' Miracle

When John Smith was finally pulled from the water by Captain Shine and his team, he had no pulse and was clinically dead. Despite being transported to the hospital and attempts to revive him failing, John's mother, Joyce Smith, began to pray intensely over his body. This moment is the central miracle of the story: John's heart inexplicably began to beat again.

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Captain Shine's professional courage in the face of extreme danger was instrumental in retrieving the boy, setting the stage for the medical and spiritual miracle that followed. His actions are a testament to the dedication of Wentzville's first responders.

From Wentzville Hero to Hollywood Star: The Film Adaptation

The remarkable and inspiring story of the rescue and subsequent recovery of John Smith was deemed so compelling that it was adapted into a major motion picture, Breakthrough, released in 2019. This brought the Wentzville Fire Department and Captain Shine's heroism to a global audience.

Mike Colter's Portrayal of Tommy Shine

In the film, the role of Fire Captain Tommy Shine was played by actor Mike Colter, known for his work in Marvel's *Luke Cage*. The film captured the high-stakes drama of the rescue, emphasizing the dedication and quick thinking of the first responders. This adaptation provided a lasting recognition of the Wentzville Fire Protection District's service and the incredible event that transpired.

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Tommy Shine’s Reaction to the Movie

Upon learning about the film, Captain Shine expressed a humble desire for the portrayal, joking at the time that he "just want[ed] someone to be a little better looking" than him, a sentiment that highlights his down-to-earth personality despite his heroic status. The movie successfully brought the community's story to the forefront, showcasing the power of faith and the dedication of public servants like Shine.

Latest Updates: Captain Shine's Critical Health Battle (2025)

A decade after his heroic rescue, Captain Tommy Shine is facing a new and formidable challenge: a serious personal health crisis. Recent reports from late 2024 and 2025 indicate that the Wentzville Fire Captain has been hospitalized in critical condition.

Community Support and Prayers

The news of his health struggle has prompted an outpouring of support from the Wentzville and St. Louis communities. Local news outlets, including KMOV and FOX 2, have covered the story, asking for prayers and support for Tommy and his wife, Brittany Shine.

• The Battle: Shine is fighting a serious illness, with the last few months being particularly difficult for the Shine family.
• The Response: The community has organized prayer efforts and support initiatives, demonstrating the deep respect and love held for the fire captain who once saved a life against all odds.
• Ongoing Updates: The Wentzville Fire Protection District and the Shine family have been providing updates to the public, asking for continued thoughts and prayers as he navigates this critical period.

This latest chapter in his life underscores the fact that even heroes face their own battles, and the community he served so faithfully is now stepping up to support him in his time of need. The story of Tommy Shine remains one of incredible bravery, dedication, and the enduring power of community spirit in Wentzville, MO.