Community raises funds for injured Utah firefighter

A Murray firefighter is still in the hospital two weeks after being seriously injured in a motorcycle crash, and his community is raising funds for his medical expenses.

Murray Battalion Chief Jeff Ellis and his adult son went for a motorcycle ride Nov. 15, according to family friend Shawn Winder. A few minutes into their ride up Parleys Canyon, she said, Ellis lost control of the bike after running over a rumble strip and crashed.

Ellis broke more than 20 bones, had three types of cranial bleeds, and suffered contusions to his lungs, abdomen and face.

Winder said she met Ellis and his family while she was a firefighter for Park City.

Two weeks after the crash, Ellis is making improvements, Winder said.

“He is such a strong human being,” Winder said, “that I’m sure he’s going to do amazing things in his recovery.”

Friends of the family posted a crowdfunding website to help the Ellises with medical costs. As of Tuesday afternoon — a day after the fundraising campaign was set up — donors had raised more than $12,000.

“I just think it’s amazing that the community and the fire service, that people have responded to this, because I know that Jeff’s recovery — given the nature of his injuries — is going to take some time,” Winder said.

The response to the fundraiser is indicative of affection for Ellis, Winder said, and for his wife.

Between the two of them, Winder said, Jeff and Martha Ellis have worked in the fire service for 55 years.

Martha Ellis was the first female battalion chief for the Salt Lake City Fire Department. She filed a notice of claim with City Hall in 2016 alleging fraud, state fire code violations, cover-ups and retaliation against the Fire Department. She also filed a federal lawsuit alleging sexual harassment, discrimination and retaliation.

She was demoted after filing the claim of misconduct. In May, the Salt Lake City Civil Service ruled that the department should not have demoted her. The federal suit is ongoing.