New fire chief named
Monday, November 5, 2018 by Elizabeth Pagano
On Friday, Austin City Manager Spencer Cronk selected the new fire chief for the Austin Fire Department. Joel Baker comes to Austin from Atlanta, where he was chief of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department. According to a press release about the potential hire, “Baker began his fire career with the East Point, Ga. Fire Department, an Atlanta suburb, in 1986. Two years later, he joined the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department. During his career in Atlanta he served as Lieutenant in the Field Operations division and the fire training academy, Captain of the department’s Hazardous Material/Technical Rescue Unit, Deputy Fire Chief for Airport Operations, Assistant Chief to the Office of Support Services, and finally as fire chief. Baker served as a Marine before beginning his firefighting career. Additionally, he served for 10 years in the Navy Reserve. Baker has an Associate Degree in Applied Fire Science, Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Development, and Master of Public Administration.” Baker will be considered by City Council at its Nov. 15 meeting, and if confirmed, will begin work Dec. 10.
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