Episode 90: South Metro HPO Part IV with Chief Bob Baker
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Welcome to Part IV of my series featuring the South Metro (CO) Fire. I had a wonderful conversation with Chief Bob Baker. You're going to love the interview and his philosophy!
Chief Baker began his career in the Fire Service at the Parker Fire District as a firefighter in 1984 and served in numerous capacities since then, including engineer, lieutenant, and battalion chief. Chief Baker has been a Chief Officer since 1990 and served as Training Chief from 1994 to 1997 and Chief of Administration from 2002 until 2004. While serving as the Operations Chief, from 2004 to 2014, he was instrumental in ensuring the successful consolidation of the Parker Fire District and South Metro Fire Rescue into an Authority in 2008. In 2014, he assumed the role of Fire Chief. In 2018, SMFR consolidated with the Cunningham Fire Protection District, and in 2019, with the Highlands Ranch Metropolitan District, City of Littleton, and Littleton Fire Protection District. The current SMFR covers over 287 square miles and 550,000 residents in 12 cities across three counties in the southern metropolitan area of Denver.
His educational background includes an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science from Red Rocks Community College, a Bachelor’s Degree in Management from Bellevue University, an academic Public Policy and Administration certification from the University of Colorado, and a Master's Degree in Executive Leadership from Grand Canyon University. He is an Executive Fire Officer Program graduate of the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, MD., Leadership Douglas County, and the Rocky Mountain Leadership Program. He was awarded the professional designation of Chief Fire Officer (CFO) through the Center for Public Safety Excellence. He has his Fire Officer III certification and recently attained "Member" status with the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE).
Chief Baker strongly believes in "service before self," treating citizens like family members and providing strong financial stewardship in the community. He lives in the SMFR district with his wife of 40 years, Denise, and his Mother-in-Law, Sheryl. Bob and Denise are blessed with three children and seven grandchildren.
So what, now what?
South Metro's HPO program is robust! But they started small with a significant and meaningful intervention. That's the key. Even when starting small, make sure that your first step is impactful! I do not believe is asking for MORE than you need. But I firmly believe that intentionally asking for LESS just to ensure you get something is a mistake. Ask for what you need to get started! Then, grow the program.
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