Novato Fire to Host Annual Rucker Tournament in September

For seven years, supporters and firefighers of the have paid tribute to fallen firefighter Steven Rucker with a golf tournament in his name. Rucker, who died in a fire near San Diego in 2003, will be honored again with the eighth annual event Sept. 19 at in Novato.

“This is a way for us to honor and remember Steve, and what better way to do it than through brotherhood, getting everybody together and raising funds for the next generation of firefighters?” Deputy Chief Eric Nickel said.

On Oct. 29, 2003, a fast-moving fire roared up a hillside in northern San Diego County and surprised a four-man engine crew from Novato, which was among crews from around the state called in to battle the Cedar Fire. By the time it was put out, the Cedar Fire blackened 750,000 acres, killed 20 people and destroyed more than 3,500 homes across Southern California, according to the California Department of Forestry.

The fire near Julian, Calif., that day trapped the Novato crew; three firefighters escaped with burns and other injuries, but Rucker died. He was 38 years old, an 11-year Novato Fire veteran, and was survived by his wife, Cathy, and their two children. A 15-mile stretch of Highway 79 near the Cedar Fire area is now called the Steven Rucker Memorial Highway.

Rucker’s memory sent shivers through Novato, and the district worked to set up the golf tournament the following year to raise funds for high school students who are headed to firefighting academies or emergency medical technician training. Students from throughout Marin County may apply for the scholarships through the Novato Fire Foundation.

More than $70,000 has been raised by the tournament thus far. Money has also gone toward the Fire Squirts camp for kids and the automated defibrillator installation program.

Golf tournament registration opens at 10 a.m., followed by a barbecue and putting contest at 11 a.m. and a four-person scramble tee off at noon. There will be contests for longest drive and closest to the pin during tournament play plus a raffle and auction afterward.

The cost is $150 per person, and foursomes are urged to sign up together. You can save $20 by registering before Aug. 19.

To register, call 707-481-6774 or download the attached form and send it to the Novato Fire District office. For questions or more details, e-mail wbrody@novatofire.org.