FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 29, 2026
Gary Sinise Foundation (GSF) and Wells Fargo to Honor Boise Hero with Home Modification; GSF Announces Equipment Grants for Boise Fire Department
**This media advisory is being sent out on behalf of the Gary Sinise Foundation and Wells Fargo.
The Gary Sinise Foundation (GSF), which was established in 2011 under the philanthropic direction of award-winning actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise, who has been a staunch supporter of veterans, first responders and defenders for more than 40 years, in partnership with Wells Fargo, will salute the service of former U.S. Forest Service wildland firefighter and Boise resident Justin Shaw, who was seriously injured in the line of duty.
After earning his EMT certificate and one year into college, Justin got his dream job with the U.S. Forest Service. Two years later, on August 10, 2024, he was tragically struck in the head by a falling, burning tree on a wildland fire. He suffered a severe brain injury with extensive damage to his left frontal lobe, and Justin is now relearning how to walk, talk, and take care of his personal needs. Thanks to the partnership between GSF and Wells Fargo, Justin’s home was modified to help him safely remain there by making it more accessible and easing the financial burden on his family. Modifications included a new bedroom with master closet, natural light and low shelves, ADA bathroom, smart-wired home, and more.
GSF is also honoring the local first responders serving Justin’s community by providing nearly $18,000 in new equipment grants to help them perform their jobs to the best of their abilities. Boise FD will receive grants for three Dive Rescue Full Face Masks, three Buoyancy Compensator Devices, a partial wrap for Rehab Apparatus, two Decon Paks, two misting fans, and other equipment. The Salmon River Ranger District, where Justin lived and worked, will also receive a grant to purchase a new transverse rescue stretcher.
Following the home modification announcement and equipment grant presentation, GSF and Wells Fargo will serve meals of appreciation at the Boise Fire Training Center. Local officials, along with GSF, Wells Fargo representatives, and Justin Shaw will be available for interviews at 10:30 a.m. before the event.
The following individuals and groups will be in attendance and available for interviews:
Gib Bosworth, Vice President, Gary Sinise Foundation
Alison Hawkins, Head of External Relations, Wells Fargo
Aaron Hummel, City of Boise Fire Chief
Salmon River Ranger District officials
Home Modification Recipient Justin Shaw and Family
GSF, Wells Fargo and community volunteers.
WHEN: Friday, July 31, 2026 | Event Begins 11:00 AM
WHERE: Boise Fire Training Center, 12142 Joplin Rd., Boise, ID 83714
ABOUT THE GARY SINISE FOUNDATION
Gary Sinise is an award-winning actor and humanitarian, best known for his roles in CSI:NY, Apollo 13, and his Oscar-nominated performance in the film Forrest Gump as the wounded Vietnam veteran Lt. Dan Taylor. An advocate for our nation’s defenders since the 1980s, after 9/11 Sinise began a tireless crusade to support America’s military and first responders around the world with handshake tours and concerts with his band, the Lt. Dan Band. In 2011, he established the Gary Sinise Foundation as an extension of those efforts. Today, the Foundation is building custom homes for severely wounded heroes, honoring and supporting the families of our fallen, providing essential equipment and training for first responders, improving the mental wellness of our defenders, and so much more. For more information and to support, visit www.garysinisefoundation.org.
