From Salmon-Challis National Forest
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.
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.
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
