FIRE BOARD AXES ITS CHIEF

 By Dennis Richardson

January 16, 2010 (Lakeside) -- The Lakeside Fire Board fired our Chief for doing his job far above the expectations. The rushed lynching of Chief Mark Baker was not announced or publicized to the public by the Fire Board.

This firing was done with the hearing room filled with his supporters who all voiced their heart-filled opinions to keep him; standing room only. The board went against the public outcry to keep Chief Baker.

Mark:  When things are going well, we don’t appreciate what we have. When things are done well, we recognize the consequences of the great leadership, and give credit to the person in charge who was responsible for all the good things.

I know some great things you have done for Lakeside, which was outside of the Fire Department's typical duty, including your proactive approach to your leadership in the Lakeside Fire Department, which benefited our community… For those of us who live and work in Lakeside, we will feel the pain of your departure.

I am part of the Lakeside Public Safety Committee. Your proactive work with the Lakeside Public Safety Committee and the Fire Department, working with the Sheriff Department, has reduced the crime in Lakeside and eliminating hundreds of emergency response calls by the Fire Department and Sheriff Department.  This is very much appreciated by Lakeside. It is far and above the call of duty and is to be commended. Lakeside is a better place because of it.

Thank you for your service.  Happy trails ahead.

Dennis Richardson
Life Time Lakeside Resident
 

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