Senate Concurrent Resolution
No. 53
CHAPTER 114
Relative to the Firefighter Steven Rucker Memorial Highway.
[
Filed with
Secretary of State
July 08, 2004.
]
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
SCR 53, Hollingsworth.
Firefighter Steven Rucker Memorial Highway.
This measure would designate a specified portion of State Highway Route 79 as the Firefighter Steven Rucker Memorial Highway. The measure would also request the Department of Transportation to determine the cost of appropriate plaques and markers showing that special designation and, upon being provided donations from nonstate sources covering that cost, to place those plaques and markers.
Digest Key
WHEREAS, In late October 2003, southern California experienced several devastating wildfires that exceeded the devastation of any fires in the past century; and
WHEREAS, In San Diego County alone, 400,000 acres burned, 2,600 homes were destroyed, and 17 lives were lost; and
WHEREAS, The citizens of San Diego County are grateful for the sacrifices and risks taken by the brave men and women who fought the fires to protect their lives and property; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated firefighters from across California and nationwide responded to the urgent call for assistance and put their lives and personal safety at risk to save the lives and property of the residents of San Diego County; and
WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Forces courageously met their country’s call to duty, providing valuable firefighting assets and assistance to California’s emergency response efforts in keeping with the finest traditions of United States military service; and
WHEREAS, All of those who fought the fires worked in unusually dangerous situations because of the fast-moving, wind-driven fires; and
WHEREAS, Firefighters displayed courage and uncommon bravery in working the firelines for long hours and with little rest, often while their own homes and families were in jeopardy elsewhere, and many of these firefighters lost their own homes to the fires while defending the lives and property of others; and
WHEREAS, Through the tireless and heroic efforts of California’s firefighters, volunteers, and members of the community, the historic town of Julian was ultimately saved from destruction by the wildfires; and
WHEREAS, Firefighter Steven Rucker of Novato, California gave the ultimate sacrifice and lost his life in San Diego County on October 29, 2003, fighting the advancing fireline as it threatened the town of Julian and neighboring mountain communities; and
WHEREAS, Steven Rucker fulfilled his lifelong ambition of service to God and Country as an Eagle Scout and then as a firefighter serving the people of California and protecting their lives and property; and
WHEREAS, Steven Rucker leaves his wife Cathy, his daughter Kerstin, and son Wesley; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the California State Legislature commends the firefighters of California, members of the United States Armed Forces, homeowners, volunteers, and countless other public servants who bravely and tirelessly fought to save the lives and property of California’s fire victims during the wildfires of 2003; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature hereby designates that portion of State Highway Route 79 from the intersection with Route 78 in Santa Ysabel to the intersection with Engineers Road in Cuyamaca in San Diego County as the “Firefighter Steven Rucker Memorial Highway”; and be it further
Resolved, That the Department of Transportation is requested to determine the cost of appropriate plaques and markers, consistent with the signing requirements for the state highway system, showing this special designation, and, upon donations being provided from nonstate sources covering that cost, to place, or cause to be placed, those plaques and markers; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.