The Chattanooga Fire Department bid farewell to a dedicated leader last week as Captain Howard Baker officially retired after an impressive 26 years of service. Captain Baker’s career has been marked by countless emergency responses and a steadfast commitment to the safety and well-being of the Chattanooga community.
“Captain Baker has done an outstanding job mentoring his crews, and I have personally watched him grow in his career from a coachable firefighter to a seasoned captain,” said Chattanooga Fire Department Chief Phil Hyman. “His dedication and service will be greatly missed. We wish him all the very best in his retirement.”
During his lengthy tenure, Captain Baker was a familiar face at numerous emergency scenes, offering crucial support and expertise during residents’ most vulnerable moments. His leadership and experience have undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the department and the many firefighters he mentored over the years.
It was this extensive experience and decisive handling of the situation that contributed to Captain Baker, along with Firefighter Charles Simpson, receiving a life-saving medal for their actions on December 31, 2019. On that date, they responded to a reported shooting and found two parties in need of care. They quickly assessed one patient as Chattanooga Police Department personnel cared for the other victim.
Their swift trauma care and initiation of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, (CPR, a life-saving emergency procedure that combines chest compressions and rescue breaths to maintain circulation and oxygenation when someone’s heart has stopped or they are not breathing adequately) provided the patient with the best possible chance of survival. They continued life-saving measures during transport to the hospital, where the patient ultimately survived.
Furthermore, the same crew, including Captain Baker and Firefighter Simpson, received another life-saving medal for their actions on August 9, 2019. Responding to a report of CPR in progress, they immediately assessed the patient upon arrival and took over resuscitation efforts. The administration of Narcan and continued life-saving measures during rapid transport contributed directly to the patient’s survival.
Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly joined in commending Captain Baker, stating, “Congratulations, Captain Baker. And thank you for your years of service to Chattanooga.”
Highlighting the impact of his career, Mayor Kelly noted that Captain Baker’s dedication, leadership and life-saving efforts will be remembered and serve as an enduring inspiration for generations of firefighters to come.