Rucker Family, Fire Departments and Local Officials Gather For Highway Renaming Ceremony

Rucker family and officials.

In a tribute to the Northern California firefighter who lost his life in last year’s wildfires, State Highway 79 from Santa Ysabel to Cuyamaca in San Diego County was renamed Friday, August 13th after Engineer Steven Rucker of Novato.

In a roadside dedication ceremony adjacent to the Cuyamaca Volunteer Fire Station in rural San Diego County, State Senator Dennis Hollingsworth (R-El Cajon) unveiled a road sign for Cathy Rucker and her family, which tells motorists on Highway 79 that they are driving on the “Steven Rucker Memorial Highway.”

Cathy Rucker and Senator Hollingsworth.

Steven Rucker was felled by the Cedar Fire October 29, 2003 defending Julian and the mountain communities from an advancing wall of flames.

“At a time when our community was facing certain disaster we were fortunateto have thousands of courageous firefighters from across California who joined us in protecting our homes and our properties. One of those brave firemen who came to our aid gave his life. We will never forget Steven Rucker and the sacrifice he made,” said George Hatton, Acting Battalion Chief George Hatton of the Lake Cuyamaca Volunteer Fire Station.

New sign on Hwy 79.

His wife Cathy, recalled the day he left to go fight the fires in San Diego County and she said, “I let him go, and I don’t regret it. If I had said no, it would have broken his spirit.”

“On behalf of Julian and San Diego County communities I represent, I would like to offer our boundless gratitude to Cathy Rucker and the Rucker family for the sacrifice her husband made defending the homes and property of our mountain communities,” said Senator Hollingsworth. “It is our wish that the name of Steven Rucker and his sacrifice to be remembered among these hills and valleys and along this highway for generations to come,” he added.

“Steve was proud to represent Novato during the Firestorm of 2003 and he gave his life doing what he loved — serving the citizens of California,” said Novato Chief Jeffrey Meston, who, while he was unable to attend the dedication ceremony sent representatives from the department and an engine.

Hollingsworth concluded, “Cathy, this road is yours and your children’s now. It is our hope that this small token serves to remind us all of the heroism of your husband. He gave his life far from home helping fellow Californians in their time of need. Thank you.”

Senator Hollingsworth introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 53 in January of 2004 which was co-authored by the members of the San Diego County legislative delegation and legislators representing Steven Rucker’s home town of Novato, in Marin County. SCR 53 honors the firefighters, law enforcement, members of the military, and volunteers who courageously fought the wildfires of 2003 and declares it the intent of the Legislature to rename Highway 78/79 from Santa Ysabel to Cuyamaca, through the hard hit communities of Pine Hills, Julian, and Cuyamaca in Rucker’s honor.

The measure passed both houses of the California Legisl-ature and was chaptered by the Secretary of State on July 8, 2004.

Funds for the cost of renaming the highway were contributed by the California Professional Firefighters Union and other private donations.

Dennis Hollingsworth is the Senate Republican Caucus Whip representing the 36th District, which includes inland North, and East San Diego County, portions of the City of San Diego, and Southwest Riverside County.

From the office of Senator Dennis Hollingsworth, 36th District.