Family of seriously injured Forest Service firefighter shares update on his recovery
Omaha, Nebraska After being hit by a tree during assault operations on the Coffee Can Saddle Fire in the Salmon River Ranger District, US Forest Service firefighter Justin Shaw sustained a significant injury over a year ago.
Joe and Dawn Shaw, Shaw’s parents, gave a touching update on their son’s protracted recuperation on Wednesday.
We have missed our dear Idaho and have been away from home for about a year. According to the family’s statement, “We hope to bring Justin home sometime this fall.”
The family continues by explaining that while Justin still needs a wheelchair for mobility, they are renovating their three-story house to make it ADA accessible. “These modifications will make it so Justin can have both safety and privacy,” the parents stated.
Justin Shaw is making every effort to become independent going forward in what has been a “marathon of recovery.”
The family thanked the Eric Marsh Foundation, the JD Memorial Foundation, and the Wildland Firefighter Foundation for their assistance during the healing process.
Supporters are asked to send “prayers and letters of encouragement” to Justin Shaw at QLI House 2, located at 6309 N 70th Plaza, Omaha, NE 68104, according to the family.
Visit Justin Shaw’s GoFundMe page to make a donation to aid in his recuperation.
