[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 112 (Friday, September 17, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1651]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       COMMEMORATING EVA SCHICKE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 17, 2004

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember Eva Schicke for 
the sacrifice she made for her fellow Californians. Ms. Schicke passed 
away on Sunday, September 12, 2004, while fighting a Stanislaus Forest 
fire in southern Tuolumne County. She was the first female firefighter 
for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to die in 
the line of duty.
  Ms. Schicke was born in Turlock, CA, and later returned to attend 
college at California State University, Stanislaus where she studied 
criminal justice. While there she played basketball and impressed all 
who watched her play with her tenacity and dedication. It was at CSU, 
Stanislaus that she was first recruited to work in the California 
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
  Beginning in 2000, Ms. Schicke worked as a seasonal firefighter. 
After 4 years she was chosen to be a member of the prestigious helitack 
crew. She was the only woman on her 12-member firefighting crew. Those 
who worked with her admired her hard work, cheerful spirit, and sharp 
wit. The helitack crew demanded long hours fighting the toughest fires, 
and Ms. Schicke never shrank from her duties.
  Ms. Schicke had many dreams for her future. She hoped to become a 
nurse or work in probation helping troubled teenagers. Working in a 
less dangerous profession was something she was looking forward to 
doing as she hoped to start a family and work with young people. Her 
untimely death cut short these dreams. However, in her 24 years of life 
she left a legacy that many will remember.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Eva Schicke. I 
urge my colleagues to join me in remembering this remarkable woman and 
the sacrifice she made while serving as a firefighter for the people of 
California.

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