Forest Service law man injured in horse accident
U.S. Forest Service law enforcement officer Jack Dittman was injured in a horse accident on April 15. (Courtesy photo)
A Flathead Valley man who works for the U.S. Forest Service is recovering from injuries he suffered in an accident while training his horse.
According to Flathead National Forest Public Affairs Officer Tami McKenzie, Law Enforcement Officer Jack Dittmann suffered the accident Thursday, April 15, while on the job.
Friends and family are making efforts to help support Dittmann and his wife, Jackie. Heather Mackenstadt has organized an online GoFundMe fundraiser to help pay for uncovered expenses related to Jack’s accident.
She posted the following statement on the fundraising platform: “On April 15, 2021, while working and training his government horse, Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer Jack Dittmann sustained significant injuries which included severe internal damage, internal bleeding, and an open book fractured pelvis. He was transported to Kalispell Regional Medical Center for stabilization and ultimately transferred to Seattle to a Level 1 Trauma Center at Harborview Hospital. Jack is currently in stable condition after a major surgery. He must stay in Seattle for the next 2-3 weeks until he has further medical follow up and is stable enough to travel home. He is going to need extensive rehab and will be non-weight bearing for the next three months.”
Jack Dittman shared the following comments on the post.
“Life and health are fragile elements. One day we are running 2 miles for PT, and swinging a leg up on a young horse, the next we are struggling to swing our legs in and out of bed. Hold your loved ones close, let them know what they mean to you and how grateful you are to have them along with you on this ride.”
Dittman works out of the Hungry Horse-Glacier View Ranger District office in Hungry Horse.
According to a news release from the Fergus County Sheriff’s Office, Dittman had worked as a deputy in its department.
Contributions could be made via Venmo using @Jackie-Dittmann. For those who prefer to send a check or card, their address is 295 Kara Drive, Kalispell, Montana, 59901. The GoFundMe page can be reached at https://www.gofundme.com/f/emergency-medical-funds-for-leo-jack-dittmann.
Scott Shindledecker may be reached at 758-4441 or sshindledecker@dailyinterlake.com.