(Kamiah, ID) On Saturday, August 10, at approximately 9:00 p.m. PDT, 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 was initially transported via Life Flight to St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Lewiston, Idaho, and then to Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, Washington. Justin has since been transported to Colorado, where he continues his recovery and rehabilitation.
The following updated information and words of gratitude have been provided by Justin’s parents, Joe and Dawn Shaw:
“Ninety days from his accident Justin had his cranioplasty on Nov 8th at Swedish Medical Hospital in Denver. He had a bone flap fabricated and digitally measured to be a sure fit and to minimize infection or complications. The surgery went smoothly and he was in recovery at Swedish for 3 days. Justin continues his marathon of therapies at Craig Hospital. Often times with a traumatic brain injury, it could take up to 2 years to recover. Justin is working hard every day; pushing himself to improve his balance, speech, gross motor skills, swallowing, and daily tasks. Despite his physical challenges he still has his personality, humor, character, and dedication to work hard that makes him Justin. This makes him a pleasure for the medical staff to treat.”
“Since this is such a long journey please keep Justin and his family in your prayers and feel free to send encouraging letters, they uplift both him and his family. With the loss of income due to being with Justin as he recovers, his family is thankful for everyone who has donated to the GoFundMe, and especially the Eric Marsh Foundation and the JW Memorial Foundation for their support.”