Assemblyman Jim Nielsen (R-Gerber) recognized Weed resident Becky Quigley as his 2nd Assembly District Woman of the Year. Ms. Quigley was honored during the annual ceremony on the Assembly Floor today, highlighting the outstanding achievements of women from the State Assembly's 80 districts.
In 2004, Becky graduated from Weed High School where she graduated as Salutatorian and helped the Mt. Shasta Junior Race team and College of the Siskiyou Ski Training program. At 23, Becky Quigley actively served two years in Cal Fire of Siskiyou County. Becky is a member of the Salmon River Hot Shot Crew, a group of extremely talented firefighters trained in fire containment and suppression tactics. For nearly five years Becky responded to wildfires, worked in isolated regions, putting her own life on the line to protect the lives and property of others.
On September 21, 2009, after an exhaustive day fighting fires, Becky returned to the camp's sleeping area where she set her sleeping bag to rest. A water truck, attempting to turn around after emptying the grey water from the shower units, ran her over. The driver, having felt something, stepped out of his truck, yet his attempt to locate what he ran over was futile. He then backed up only to run over her one more time. Becky suffered five cracked vertebrae, ten broken ribs, a shattered shoulder, and collapsed lungs. Following her accident Becky, like a phoenix, rose from the ashes. Even today she continues the fight to recover from her injuries.
"I am very honored to have received the Woman of the Year award. It is very exciting to represent Siskiyou County and the firefighting community and I hope to continue this work for many years to come. Thank you," Becky stated.
Assemblyman Nielsen said of Becky Quigley, "I am tremendously pleased to honor Becky Quigley as our 'Woman of the Year' for 2010. Her exceptional leadership qualities combined with her desire to not only volunteer but serve as a Cal Fire firefighter among others makes her our ideal 'Woman of the Year.' The fortitude and personal resolve that Becky has demonstrated throughout her recovery from this horrible accident is inspirational to us all."
The day was filled with many special events honoring California's remarkable women including a unique floor ceremony, followed by a reception held later in the afternoon. Becky was joined by her father, grandmother, and brother on her special day. The Quigley family is well known for producing firefighters, as Becky's father Darin is a Cal Fire Battalion Chief and her grand-father Gerald was a Battalion Chief and 1970 Medal of Valor recipient.
