KAMIAH, ID – On Saturday, August 10th, 2024, U.S. Forest Service firefighter Justin Shaw was struck by a tree while engaged in initial attack operations on a wildfire start on the Salmon River Ranger District. Justin has been on a long road to recovery ever since the day of this incident.
Justin leaving Craig Hospital with transport team.
The following updated information and words of gratitude have been provided by Justin’s parents, Joe and Dawn Shaw:
“Justin has spent 230 days at Craig Hospital. He has made significant gains in his recovery. When he arrived, he could not speak, eat, stand or even sit without support. Now he is feeding and dressing himself, as well as working on clarity and strength of speech. Justin still cannot walk independently but is getting closer each day.
Justin with his recovery team in Craig, CO.
He has undergone three cranioplasties due to infection or other complications. Despite these setbacks, he has pushed himself each day to improve and continues to strive for independence. Craig is an amazing place. It has state-of-the-art equipment but more importantly kind, knowledgeable therapists and medical staff that really care about each patient, and want them to reach their full potential. Once you are a patient at Craig you are part of their family.”
“Justin is now medically stable and will continue his therapy at QLI in Omaha, Nebraska. QLI specializes in neurological injury diagnoses. They strive to restore function. They try to tie rehabilitation to science but anchor it to each individual’s identity. Justin will be doing his rehab in real life situations preparing him for future work and recreation that is specific to his needs and interests. Justin should spend about 3 months at QLI and then progress to outpatient rehab.”
“This journey is long and difficult, but Justin has been working extremely hard with the support of his family and friends. Thank you to the Forest Service team from the Arapaho/Roosevelt Forest that helped our family while we were in Denver. A special thank you to Mike Brennan, the Wildland Fire Fighter Association and the Colorado Department of Fire Prevention for all the work into organizing the flight to Omaha. Thank you to everyone who has sent a card, email, gift, contributed to his go-fund me and especially your prayers. We really appreciate all of the love and support of so many wonderful people.”
TO SEND A CARD OR NOTE:justinshawrecovery@gmail.com ATTN: Justin Shaw QLI House 2 6309 N 70th Plaza Omaha, NE 68104
OR ATTN: Justin Shaw Slate Creek Ranger Station 304 Slate Creek Road White Bird, Idaho 83554
Please direct any media questions/inquiries regarding this incident to James Wimer at 208-451-4654.
