CUYAMACA, Calif. -- A stretch of mountain road that passes through Julian bears the name of Northern California firefighter Steven Rucker, who died during last October's firestorms.

Rucker's widow, Cathy, and other members of his family joined public safety personnel from around the state at a 12 p.m. ceremony christening state Route 79 from Cuyamaca to Santa Ysabel in memory of the late fire engineer.

The 38-year-old father of two died the afternoon of Oct. 29 while he and three Novato Fire Protection District colleagues battled towering flames just west of one of San Diego County's most beloved historic communities.

In January, state Sen. Dennis Hollingsworth, R-El Cajon, introduced a resolution proposing the highway name change to honor Rucker's sacrifice. The measure passed both houses of the Legislature and became official last month.

The dedication service took place at a volunteer fire station off SR-79 at Lake Cuyamaca.