Gregory “Scott” Baker named Tahoe Douglas Fire's new Assistant Fire Chief

Gregory "Scott" Baker has joined the Tahoe Douglas Fire District as their new Assistant Fire Chief, replacing Mark A. Novak who left the department a year ago to become the new Fire Chief in Vail, Colorado.

Baker, who brings with him over 20-years of service, comes to the fire district from the Reno Fire Department where his most recent position was that of Division Chief of Fleet and Facilities.

He advanced through the Reno Fire Department as a Firefighter, Operator, Captain and Battalion Chief while gaining experience as a Rope Rescue Technician, SCBA Technician, HazMat Technician, EMT – A, Critical Incident Stress Management Peer Support Leader, Lead Instructor for the Reno Fire Academy, Safety Officer, Fire Equipment Operator Instructor, and Fire Company Officer Instructor.

He has served as Incident Command on numerous large all-risk incidents including the Washoe Fire in 2012.

Chief Baker is originally from Illinois, and served in the Nevada Air National Guard for over 27 years in various positions - Mission Commander, Detachment Commander, Flight Lead, Safety Investigation Board President, Flight Commander, and Senior Navigator. As an Officer in the USAF, his responsibilities included managing tactical aircrew personnel and equipment for flying, maintenance and intelligence squadrons. He has had the opportunity to travel the world and work in a variety of challenging situations before he retired as Chief Navigator and Lieutenant Colonel in 2013.

The new face at TDFD has a Bachelor of Science in Finance/Accounting, and is currently working on his Master of Science degree in Public Safety and Law Enforcement. In his new position, Chief Baker will be responsible for operations and training.

Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District is an “All Risk” Department providing Fire Prevention, Fire Suppression, Advanced Life Support, Explosive Ordinance Disposal, Forest Fuels Management, and Emergency Rescue. The dedicated professionals respond to approximately 2000 emergency calls annually. The Fire District currently holds an ISO rating 3/3Y.