The Idaho firefighter critically injured by a falling tree has been moved to a hospital in Colorado that specializes in traumatic brain injuries. 

Justin “Riley” Shaw was hit by a snag shortly after his crew arrived at the Coffee Can Saddle Fire, 11 miles east of Riggins, on Aug. 10. He was stabilized by his crew, Life Flighted to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center at Lewiston and later to Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane. 

In a statement released by the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, Shaw’s parents, Joe and Dawn Shaw, said their son is now at the PAM Health Specialty Hospital in Denver.

“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.”

The family thanked the firefighters and medical professionals who worked to save Shaw’s life and the many people who have prayed for him. 

“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,” they wrote. 

They specifically thanked doctors, nurses and others at St. Joes and Sacred Heart, as well as Life Flight and Victor Air Transport. 

Shaw, of Boise, is the assistant foreman of the Salmon River Ranger District Fire crew. He is described as a proud Christian who was born and raised in Idaho, according to a GoFundMe.com page. The GoFundMe has raised more than $100,000 of a $125,000 goal to help his family pay for travel and other costs associated with what is expected to be a long recovery far from his home.

His parents said Shaw’s journey has already been incredible and helped by people who love him and those he has never met. 

“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,” they said. “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.”

People who would like to send a card, note or letter of encouragement to Shaw can address them to Justin Shaw, 5365 Wangaratta Way, Littleton, Colorado 80130; or ATTN: Justin Shaw

Slate Creek Ranger Station, 304 Slate Creek Road, White Bird, Idaho 83554; or Justinshawrecovery@gmail.com. The GoFundMe page is available at gofundme.com/f/justin-riley-shaws-road-to-recovery.

Barker may be contacted at ebarker@lmtribune.com or at (208) 848-2273. Follow him on Twitter @ezebarker.