BILL NUMBER: ACR 106	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member Caballero

                        JANUARY 25, 2010

   Relative to the CDF Firefighter Matt Will Memorial Highway.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   ACR 106, as introduced, Caballero. CDF Firefighter Matt Will
Memorial Highway.
   This measure would designate the portion of State Highway Route
156 from State Highway Route 25 to State Highway Route 101 as the CDF
Firefighter Matt Will Memorial Highway. The measure would also
request the Department of Transportation to determine the cost for
appropriate signs showing this special designation and, upon
receiving donations from nonstate sources covering that cost, to
erect those signs.
   Fiscal committee: yes.



   WHEREAS, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
(CDF) Heavy Fire Equipment Operator (HFEO) Fire Captain Matt Will
passed away in the line of duty on October 9, 2007, at the age of 30,
while battling a fire in Monterey County; and
   WHEREAS, Matt Will is survived by his mother, father, two
brothers, loving wife and high school sweetheart Dianna, son Trysten
(12), and daughter Elsie (10); and
   WHEREAS, Matt Will was born in El Cajon, California on March 13,
1977, and was raised in Campo, California. He attended elementary
through high school in Campo where he participated in many sports
including football, baseball, and wrestling. He enjoyed many outdoor
activities, such as camping, fishing, hunting, and off-roading. After
graduating from high school, Matt Will helped run his family
business where he became proficient at operating heavy equipment; and

   WHEREAS, HFEO Gary Will, father of Matt Will, is employed by CDF.
Matt Will followed in his father's footsteps as he pursued the career
of his dreams as a HFEO by applying his passions for heavy equipment
and fire fighting. He was always charismatic and caring, and his
drive and motivation were displayed daily. Matt Will's leadership
skills carried him to reach his goals and to encourage others to
reach theirs; and
   WHEREAS, Matt Will was extremely knowledgeable, with abundant
experience and excellent judgment that enabled him to be on the
fireline operating alone. On October 8, 2007, HFEO Matt Will tried to
get another bulldozer out of a precarious situation, placing Matt
Will in a very dangerous location. The ground of the steep terrain
gave way causing Matt Will's bulldozer to roll 154 feet down a steep
drainage, in which Matt Will sustained injuries. On October 9th, Matt
Will succumbed to those injuries; and
   WHEREAS, Matt Will exemplified the professionalism, work ethic,
dedication, and self-sacrifice for which CDF firefighters are known.
He touched the lives of many and is sorely missed by all who knew
him. He will never be forgotten; now, therefore, be it
   Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate
thereof concurring, That the Legislature recognizes the contributions
of CDF Firefighter Matt Will to the people of California and
designates the portion of State Highway Route 156 from State Highway
Route 25 to State Highway Route 101 as the "CDF Firefighter Matt Will
Memorial Highway"; and be it further
   Resolved, That the Department of Transportation is requested to
determine the cost of appropriate signs, consistent with the signing
requirements for the state highway system, showing this special
designation and, upon receiving donations from nonstate sources
sufficient to cover the cost, to erect those signs; and be it further

   Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of
this resolution to the Department of Transportation and to the author
for appropriate distribution.