September 18, 2004
Eva Schicke
Eva Schicke, the first female firefighter with the California Department of Forestry to die in the line of duty, was killed on Sept. 12 at the age of 23.
A member of an elite helicopter firefighting crew, Schicke and her colleagues were building a firebreak ahead of the wildfire raging through the Tuolumne River Canyon in the Stanislaus National Forest in Northern California when she was overcome by flames. Six other firefighters also suffered injuries in the blaze.
Schicke studied criminal justice and played Division II college basketball at California State University at Stanislaus. She spent the past four-and-a-half seasons working as a firefighter.
"Eva's death is a tremendous loss for the California Department of Forestry not only because she was the first female firefighter to lose her life in the line of duty, but because she bravely risked her life to protect our homes and ensure our safety. In the face of danger, Eva acted with courage and commitment, giving her life for the protection of her fellow Californians," Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said in a statement. Flags at the Capitol in Sacramento were lowered to half-staff in her honor.
Brian Chambers, 34, is in custody on an arson charge; he's accused of purposely starting the 800-acre forest fire with a match that was inserted inside a cigarette.
Posted on September 18, 2004 6:05 PMActually she was 24.
Posted by none on September 19, 2004 3:30 PMEva Schicke was born on Oct. 25, 1980. Next month would have been her 24th birthday.
http://www.turlockjournal.com/news/newsview.asp?c=123430
Posted by J. Walker on September 19, 2004 3:36 PMShe was beautiful in every sense of the word and I wish I could have known her better. Her service was the most amazing and at the same time sadest thing I have ever seen.
Posted by C.D. on September 21, 2004 8:34 AMIt is a truly sad day when a firefighter dies in the line of duty. She is a tribute to the fire fighter spirit.
My God bless her family and friends
She will be remembered as the hero she was!
Posted by J.P on October 18, 2004 7:46 PMMay Eva always be happy now. May her memory and her deeds live on forever. May peace, serenity, and blessings always follow her family and friends and fellow firefighters.
..................
Posted by Blaster on November 9, 2004 4:50 PMIt's truly sad to see another Fire Fighter go down in the line of duty. May peace comfort her family and those who personally known Eva.
I'm consistibg of a Power Point Project that will be presented to a County Highschool on Wildland Fire Fighting and a section will be dedicated to Eva and have a moment of silence for her as well
Godbless Eva and Her Family
Mike DaRosa
CDF Mariposa Ranger Unit
A fire fighter that special had to die on a horrible fire like this. godbless her and every firefighter that got hert.we will always remember she is probely puting out fire in heaven.....godbless eva schicke
Posted by Steven Da Rosa on January 10, 2005 9:29 PMI wrote earleier about eva schicke I just wanted to say me and my brother thaTS A FIREMEN ARE MAKING POSTAL STAMPS FOR EVA SCICKE....THIS FIREFIGHTER WAS SPECIAL TO ME AND EVERY FIREFIGHTER AROUND.....GODBLESS HER
Posted by steve darosa on February 3, 2005 10:01 PMHi everyone, my name is Sharon and I'm an undergrad student at Cal State University San Bernardino. I am very intrigued by the Fire Services and am currently conducting a research study about the death of Eva Schicke and how CDF handled the crisis.
It would greatly benefit me if you could please contact me at sharoncdizon@yahoo.com by March 14, 2005 and let me know:
1. How do you feel about CDF?
2. Do you feel that CDF handled the Eva Schicke crisis well?
3. Please explain your answer.
4. Has your perspective about CDF changed after her death?
5. Please explain your answer.
6. During a media conference, CDF Director Dale Geldert expressed grief as he began to cry and could not finish his statement. How did his display of emotions affect you? (If you were unable to view this conference, you may view it at http://www.thekcrachannel.com/video/3726755/detail.html).
7. Do you think this incident will cause a decline in females pursuing a career as a firefighter?
8.Is there anything you would change about how CDF handled the Eva Schicke incident?
THANK YOU SO MUCH AND MY HEART GOES OUT TO EVA SCHICKE AND OTHER FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS. GOD BLESS OUR FIREFIGHTERS.
Posted by Sharon on February 21, 2005 7:25 PMFrom a fellow female wildland firefighter & forester, I would like to express my deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and co-workers of Eva Schicke. The firefighting community is a small one, particularly when it comes to forest firefighting -- we fight fire together (blood, sweat, tears, cold nights & hot days, sore muscles, long hours, etc.) & become family & it truly hurts to lose one of our own. In the moments of sadness, you must remember that Eva loved firefighting, and she died among close friends, doing what she loved to do. Through her death, Eva has inspired others and her memory will live on! I did not know Eva, but have read quite a bit about her -- she was a great person & reminds me of myself in many ways.
Posted by Julianne on March 12, 2005 9:56 PMEva was a great girl, She was always happy and out to make a difference. More people should follow in her footsteps.
Posted by Mark on August 14, 2005 11:43 PMI just wanted say that the stamps where made for eva schike. I am till really upset that she passed away if a terrible fire and how ever started this must suffer for killing a beautiful firefighter like eva schicke
Eva was truly one of the best people I have ever known. She was a great friend, an awesome person and a person who will be remembered forever.
Posted by megan on January 2, 2006 9:32 PMREMEMBER OUR HERO...MISS U SIS
Posted by STEVE DA ROSA on June 30, 2006 3:33 AMEva, it has been two years and I think of you all the time. You are in my heart. love, Grandma Marylin
Posted by Marylin on September 5, 2006 11:09 PMI had the honor of visiting the smokejumpers out of Redding...
Eva... you are not forgotten... they remember you.. I remember you
cam
Sergeant Los Angles County Sheriff
thank you eva for fighting for our life and to your family i hope that you could over come this death because it was time for the lord to call her home.with all my support love jasmine
Posted by jasmine on October 3, 2006 10:27 PMhi i really hope you can over come the fact that oyur baby is gone and keep in mind that she was fighting for yours and our heart
Posted by jasmine on October 3, 2006 10:31 PMMy father did not mean to do what he did his sins have caught up to him and now he surves
Posted by samantha chambers on May 12, 2007 4:51 PMI hope that many people survive what has happened to Eva one day I want to be just like her. R.I.P
Posted by Jojo on February 29, 2008 12:28 PM