BOISE, Idaho — An injured wildland firefighter from Boise is now in a Denver hospital recovering.
In an update, the family of 26-year-old Justin Shaw, the firefighter hit by a tree, said he is in a Denver hospital and will continue to recover and prep for his long rehabilitation.
Shaw was injured in early August while fighting the Coffee Can Saddle Fire, which lightning had started in North Idaho. He was initially transported to a hospital in Lewiston before being moved to Spokane.
According to a GoFundMe set up by the family, he is in the ICU for a traumatic brain injury.
The Shaw family said they are grateful for all those involved in his recovery. If you want to send him a card or letter, the family said to email them to Justinshawrecovery@gmail.com.
The full statement is listed below:
"It has been a month since Justin was involved in a tree strike to his head. He has had an incredible journey already. The family would like to thank everyone who has helped us with this journey.
Starting with his crew and fellow firefighters for remaining calm and getting him to safety in really difficult surroundings. The U S Forest Service has been very supportive in Justin's battle. Several team members have been with us this whole time and we are very grateful for them assisting us through this difficult time.
Thank you to both Life Flight and Victory Air Transport for getting him safely to medical facilities. Thanks to the medical staff at both St. Joseph's Hospital in Lewiston and Sacred Heart in Spokane. A special shout out to the ICU nurses he had at Sacred Heart, your love and compassion are so appreciated.
Thank you to all the prayer warriors out there lifting Justin and our family up in prayer. You have really come through when he was not medically stable and had pneumonia. Please continue to pray for his recovery. We are so thankful for you.
Thank you to everyone who has sent cards and emails of encouragement and stories of how their family member has overcome traumatic brain injuries. Thanks to everyone who has been so generous in donating to Justin's GoFundMe. This has and will help Justin have the support of his family while he goes through recovery.
Justin was medically transported via air ambulance from Sacred Heart to PAM Health Denver. PAM is a post-acute medical hospital. PAM provides acute care for patients requiring intensive medical nursing, respiratory, and therapy services. This is where he will continue to recover and prepare for his long rehabilitation with Craig Hospital in Denver. Craig Hospital is a world-renowned rehabilitation hospital that exclusively specializes in neurorehabilitation and research for individuals with spinal cord and brain injury."