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Fallen Firefighter 'a Real Hero' to His Family, Colleagues
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NOVATO, Calif. — Steven L. Rucker, the husband and father from Marin County who died while trying to save burning homes in San Diego County, "helped a lot of people and touched a lot of lives," his sister said Wednesday. "He was a real hero," Starla Lincoln said. "We are very proud of him." Rucker, 38, was one of 11 firefighters from the Novato Fire Protection District in Marin County who drove more than 400 miles overnight Monday to join the battle against the Cedar fire near Julian. To visit the official memorial page, please go to http://www.novatofire.org/cedar_fire.aspx |
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At 12:30 Wednesday, October 29, 2003, a Novato Fire District crew operating engine 6162 on the Cedar fire in San Diego County near Wynola, north of Julian, was overrun by fire. This event resulted in the death of Engineer Steven Rucker, 38 years old who is an 11 year veteran of Novato Fire. Steve has a wife and 2 children. A trust fund has been set up for the Rucker family. The fund is The Steven Rucker Fund, at the Bank of Marin. For more information regarding donations, please call the Bank of Marin at (415) 899-7338. Fire Captain Doug McDonald, 48 years old and a 17 year veteran with the District, received burns over 18% of his body. He is currently being treated at a San Diego Burn Facility. He is in critical condition, and is expected to recover. Captain McDonald has a wife and 2 children. A trust fund has been set up for the McDonald family. The fund is The Doug McDonald Fund, at the Bank of Marin. For more information regarding donations, please call the Bank of Marin at (415) 899-7338. Engineer Shawn Kreps, 35 years old, is a 7 year veteran with the District. He received minor injuries, was treated and released. He has a wife and 2 children. Firefighter/Paramedic Barrett Smith is 28 years old and has been with the District for 1 year. He also received minor burns, was treated and released. The Novato Fire District made arrangements for District representatives and the wife of Captain McDonald to fly to San Diego. In consideration of the families of the affected crew, the District requests that the media refrain from contacting them. This tragic incident is difficult for all members of the Novato Fire District and their families. Grief counseling is planned Thursday for all employees and their family members. The Novato Fire District has received calls of support from California Fire Agencies, both at the state and local level. The District has 2 other crews assigned to the Southern California fires. Those crews have been recalled and are returning to Novato. The Novato Fire District is involved in the incident investigation. Fire Chief Jeff Meston and Board President Brad Beedle arrived in San Diego Wednesday evening. As more information is received from the incident commander in San Diego, it will be made available. Further details are planned for release at 7 a.m. on Thursday October 30, at Novato station #1 at 7025 Redwood Boulevard. Novato, California. |
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