Q & A with the Fire Chief
Joel Baker took over as Chief of the Austin Fire Department only a few short months ago. What has the the transition been like? What are the latest happenings in Austin's Fire Department? This is your chance to find out!
About Our Speaker:
Appointed by Austin City Manager Spencer Cronk as Fire Chief of the Austin Fire Department in December 2018, Atlanta native Joel G. Baker began his professional fire service career with the
City of East Point Fire Department (Georgia) in 1986. In 1988, he joined the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department, rising through the ranks to Fire Chief, a rank he held until his retirement in February 2018 after 30 years of service.
Chief Baker holds several degrees, including an Associate of Applied Sciences in Fire Science Technology, a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources and Policy Studies from the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University, and a Master of Public Administration from Columbus State University; he is also a graduate of Harvard University’s Senior Executive Education in State and Local Government program. Chief Baker is a designated Executive Fire Officer from the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland, a program designed to provide senior officers and
others in key leadership roles with enhanced executive-level knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to lead, conduct research, and engage in life-long learning.
Recognizing the importance of community service, Chief Baker served in numerous organizations in Atlanta, including as Chairperson of the Atlanta Regional Commission/Atlanta Urban Area Security Initiative and as a Board Member to the State of Georgia’s 9-1-1 Authority Advisory Board. Chief Baker’s commitment to the fire service and the citizens he serves has garnered him numerous recognitions from various public and private organizations throughout his career.
Agenda:
6:50am - Coffee & Networking
7:10am - Breakfast Buffet
7:25am - Introductions & Announcements
7:50am - Speaker Introduction
8:20am - Q&A
8:30am - Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Directions and Parking to UT Club
Breakfast Fees & Policy
