(Source: City of Copperas Cove)

September 4, 2008

The City of Copperas Cove is pleased to announce that James Michael "Mike" Baker has accepted the position of Fire Chief with the Fire Department. Mike will begin working for the City on Monday, October 6, 2008.

Mike has his B.B.A., Business Administration Degree from LeTourneau University, in Longview, Texas. He also has an A.A.S., Fire Protection Technology Degree from Kilgore College, in Kilgore, Texas.

Certifications that he currently holds in the fire service from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection include Department Head-Suppression, Master Firefighter, Fire Inspector, Hazardous Materials Technician, Fire Officer II, and Fire Service Instructor II. He also holds, from the Texas Department of State Health Services, a certification as an Emergency Medical Technician - Intermediate.

Mike's previous experience includes serving the City of San Marcos Fire Department as Fire Chief, the City of Bonham Fire Department as Fire Chief and the City of Marshall Fire Department as Lieutenant, where he retired after 21 years of service.

When Mike was asked about what he is looking forward to at the City of Copperas Cove, he replied "I look forward to becoming a part of the community and serving alongside a dedicated team of firefighters and other professionals in the City of Copperas Cove."

The Fire Chief position was vacated May 31, 2008 when Dennis Haas officially retired. The Fire Chief will report to City Manager, Andrea Gardner.