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East County News Service
August 5, 2023 (Lakeside) – Lakeside Fire Protection District Director and former Fire Chief Mark Thomas Baker died July 10 after complications following a medical procedure for a heart issue.
“He was dedicated to his work to ensure the success of the Lakeside Fire District and the safety of the residents he served,” says a statement from the district on Facebook, which voiced “great sadness” at his passing.
The California Fire Chiefs Association issued a statement recalling Chief Baker as not only “a dedicated professional, but he was also a kind-hearted individual with a great sense of humor. He brought joy to those around him and always had a smile on his face. He will be greatly missed by all those in the fire service that not only knew him, but also looked to him as a leader and mentor."
Born on January 15, 1953, in San Diego, he was the son of Jack and Gwenyth Baker. He attended Patrick Henry and Christian high schools in San Diego County, where he participated in athletics including hurdles and basketball. He later enrolled at Asbury Christian College with plans to become a math teacher, but instead devoted his life to firefighting and his family, marrying Sharon Miller in 1975.
Baker began his firefighting career in 1973, serving with the California Department of Forestry (Cal Fire) in San Diego and Orange Counties. His career encompassed both wildland firefighting and municipal fire services, according to his obituary.
He worked with various other fire departments including Orange County Fire Authority, Flower Mound Fire Department in Texas, Cathedral City Fire Department, Laguna Beach Fire Department, Lakeside Fire Protection District, and Capstone Fire & Safety. Throughout his career, he held positions including Firefighter, Engineer, Lieutenant, Fire Captain, Battalion Chief, Fire Chief, and Director.
He served as Chief of the Lakeside Fire Protection District from 2004 to 2010, including during the 2007 firestorms. When a pro-union board axed the chief over his disagreement with cuts in firefighting despite unanimous public testimony in support of Chief Baker, angry citizens launched a recall effort against several board members.
Baker later worked for Crabtree Consulting Services, consulting with fire agencies and other entities on fire prevention. In 2012, he won election as a Director for the Lakeside Fire Protection District. Baker won the most votes of any candidate and served as a Director from 2012 until his death.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon Baker, their sons, Luke and Timothy Baker, and four granddaughters: Trinity, Aurora, Rylann, and Kaylee, as well as his brother,Chris.
In honor of Chief Baker's memory, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a fire service-related charity or organization of your choice.
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