Barry Bruce Baker

Barry dedicated his life to his family and saving others, and, as a 45+ year career Firefighter, Fire Chief, and Educator, he has impacted the lives of thousands of people around the nation.

He began his firefighting career as a volunteer in Pittsburgh, PA, where he discovered a deep-rooted love for community service and the extended fire service family. He was hired by Fairfax County Fire and Rescue in Fairfax, VA, where he gained a reputation as being a strategic problem solver and dedicated community servant. He continued his career with the City of Fairfax where he advanced through department ranks and later retired as Assistant Fire Chief in 1997. From there, he served as the Fire Chief for the City of Ormond Beach Fire Department until his retirement in 2009. Most recently, he served as the Bureau Chief/Superintendent at the Florida State Fire College, Ocala, FL, where he retired in 2015 and was an instructor for the Emergency Services Leadership Institute for the University of Florida. Barry continued to be active in both the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the Florida Fire Chiefs Association, where he served as President from 2007-2008. Barry’s education includes an Associate of Science in Fire Science Administration from the Community College of Allegheny County, a Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration from George Mason University and a Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University. In addition, he completed the Executive Fire Officer program from the National Fire Academy-Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Barry leaves behind a rich legacy of community service and a fierce determination to improve widespread emergency response efforts, not just in the immediate communities he served, but also across the nation through his coordinated efforts with national response teams including FEMA. His family and wide network of close friends are committed to keeping his spirit and memory alive.

Barry is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Lisa; his daughters, Jennifer (Guy) Schwechten and Kimberly (Michael) Pouncey; grandchildren, Cayden and Amara Schwechten; his brother, C. Ronald (Mary) Baker and his ever-faithful Australian Shepherd, Cheyenne. He is predeceased by his parents Clifford Marshall Baker and Margaret Ruth Klinginsmith Baker.

Due to COVID-19 concerns, the family will hold a Celebration of Life in early 2021. Remembrances in Barry’s honor may be sent to the ALS Association to further research at als.com/donate or to the Florida Fire Chiefs Educational Fund at https://www.ffca.org/florida-fire-chiefs-foundation.