The Baker Podcast

Making the fire service better than you found it.

Fire Chief Alan V. Brunacini: American Fire Service Pioneer

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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...

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16: Jeremy Wade

16: Jeremy Wade

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 on Monday, April 6, 2026, at 4:30 PM (PST) / 7:30 PM (EST). Jeremy, the founder and Executive Director of Mission First Alliance, shares his heart for a national movement that br...

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14: Fire Chief Dennis Compton

14: Fire Chief Dennis Compton

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...

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10: Fire Chief Damon Covington

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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...

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9: Director Ken Pimlott

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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 ...

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6: Assistant Chief Rayne Gray

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Join Host Christopher Baker and guest Buckeye Fire Medical Rescue Department (AZ) Assistant Chief Rayne Gray as we dig into what truly shapes our profession: mentorship, and the constant ebb and flow of leadership changes that test our adaptability and resilience. We talk about the recruitment and retention challenges we're facing in Arizona, and a...

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3: Fire Chief Jason Caughey

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Join Host Christopher Baker and guest Laramie County Fire Authority (WY), Fire Chief Jason Caughey, as they  discuss firefighter mentorship, his internship with the Phoenix Fire Department (AZ), and leadership lessons from Chief Alan V. Brunacini. We also discuss national recruitment and retention issues, as well as volunteer and career o...

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If you’re interested in being a guest on the show, contact Host Christopher Baker for details.