Published: November 06, 2009 11:07 am      

First full-time fire chief named

Joshua City Manager Paulette Hartman announced on Monday that the city has appointed Bruce Wayne Baker as Joshua’s first full-time, paid fire chief.

Baker will lead the Joshua Volunteer Fire Department through its transition to incorporated paid firefighters over the next several years, Hartman said.

Baker brings more than 18 years of experience in fire service through his work with volunteer and paid fire departments, Hartman said.

He holds an Advanced Firefighter Certification Level II Instructor certification through the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.

Baker also holds certifications in trench rescue, rope rescue and advanced swift-water rescue.

He is a licensed paramedic and instructor through the Texas Department of State Health Services.

He has completed the Texas Fire Chief’s Association Fire Chief Academy and is a member of the Fire Instructors Association of North Texas. Baker also holds a bachelor of science degree in public safety administration, Hartman said.

“Chief Baker brings leadership as well as a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Joshua Fire Department,” Hartman said. “I am excited for this appointment and have every confidence Chief Baker will transition what is now a good fire department into a great fire department.”

Baker presently works for the Cedar Hill Fire Department as an engineer and is completing his two week’s notice with that department, Hartman said. Baker will join the Joshua department mid-month, she said.

Attempts to reach Baker for comment were unsuccessful.

Joshua considered more than 40 applicants for the fire chief position, Hartman said.

Finalists were required to complete a written presentation and conduct a face-to-face interview with an assessment panel that included an oral presentation, Hartman said.

A panel made up of Joshua firefighters also interviewed finalists, she said.

“We had some very good candidates form all over the state and want to thank everyone for their interest,” Hartman said. “The quality of the applicant pool made this a difficult decision, but one in which the assessment panel and the panel of current Joshua firefighters were in agreement and are extremely proud.”

In related news, Joshua voters, on Tuesday, approved the issuance of $2.7 million in bonds to fund a new fire station.