After courageously fighting a battle with job-related cancer, James "Rick" Braden passed away in 2003.  He spent 28 years working for CDF, as both a Heavy Fire Equipment Operator and as Captain.  Rick was a genuine outdoorsman - he loved to hike, camp, fish, and fully immerse himself in the beauty of nature.  The impact of his bravery continues to live on in the lives of those he left behind.