Join Host Christopher Baker and guest, State Fire and Rescue Chief (Retired) Kim Zagaris, for an in-depth conversation about the fire service—from starting a career on the front lines to leading at the statewide level as California's OES State Fire and Rescue Chief. In this episode, they discuss the importance of mentorship, the growing challenges ...
The Baker Podcast
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Join Host Christopher Baker as he connects with retired Fire Chief Clare Frank to explore her remarkable journey in the fire service—beginning with how she got her start at just 17 and rising through the ranks to become the first female Chief of Fire Protection. In this episode, Chief Frank shares what firefighter mentorship means to her and h...
[Cover Photo Image Credits: California Training Officers Association | (L to R) | Fire Chief (Retired) Kevin Wise | Battalion Chief Tim Sandifer | Chris Delcour | Jesse Roberts | Author | Deputy Chief (Retired) Anthony Sornetta | Battalion Chief Matt Miranda]. Ed Bent Award: Christopher Baker Randy Sheer Memorial ...
In this powerful episode, Host Christopher Baker connects with Jill Shepherd Piercy Clark, LMFT, founder, and CEO of The Resiliency Co., for a deeply meaningful conversation about healing from stress, trauma, and burnout—especially among first responders and public safety professionals. Drawing from her extensive experience as a therapist, Jil...
Join Host Christopher Baker and guest Jeremy Wade, a retired Seattle police officer, for a powerful conversation on faith, family, and the calling of public safety service. Jeremy, the founder and Executive Director of Mission First Alliance, shares his heart for a national movement that brings the hope of Christ to first responders. Mission First ...
Chief Alan V. Brunacini was a pivotal figure in the fire service, known not only for his leadership and operational expertise but also for his forward-thinking approach to firefighter safety and customer service. His legacy, shaped by both his personal and professional experiences, has had a profound impact on fire departments across the U.S. and a...
Join Host Christopher Baker and guest Fire Chief Damon Covington of the Oakland Fire Department for an in-depth discussion on career opportunities in public safety with the Oakland Fire Department. The conversation highlights the value of mentorship, developing future leaders from within through succession planning, and recruiting community members...
Join Host Christopher Baker and his guest, Fire Chief (Retired) Dennis Compton, as they explore vital leadership lessons, the importance of firefighter mentorship, and the role of succession planning in the fire service. In this episode, they discuss the significance of paying it forward to the next generation and how to make the fire ser...
Join Host Christopher Baker and guest Brian K. Rice, President of the California Professional Firefighters (CPF), for an important conversation on firefighter behavioral health and wellness. Topics will include the value of firefighter mentorship and resources to support the next generation of firefighters. The discussion will also explore strategi...
Join Host Christopher Baker and guest CAL FIRE Director (Retired) Ken Pimlott as they discuss the challenges of leadership during a time when wildland fires became more intense and destructive, and fire seasons evolved into a year-round reality. The conversation explores the pressures of leading through escalating risk, limited resources, and ...