After attending an earlier fire department training meeting, Assistant Chief Rodney D. Baker, Jr., 47, responded to a grass fire at 2229hrs on March, 15, 2018. Assistant Chief Baker (Chief 51) was first on scene as the commanding officer for the incident and was back in service at 2336hrs. The following day, March 16, 2018, while attending a family event, Assistant Chief Baker became ill and collapsed at 1638hrs. Family members trained in CPR immediately came to Assistant Chief Baker’s aid while the Pioneer Fire Department and Williams County EMS were called to the scene. Assistant Chief Rodney D. Baker, Jr. was transported to Bryan hospital where, despite all efforts, he later passed away from a reported cardiac event.
Our condolences to the Baker Family & Friends, Madison Township-Kunkle Fire Department, and to all affected by Assistant Chief Rodney D. Baker, Jr.’s passing.
To date, 17 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2018. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.
(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)
