SOAP LAKE – Grant County Fire District 7 has announced the hiring of a new chief, nearly six months after previous Chief Kirk Sheppard retired in September.

“Chief Chris Baker started on Feb. 13 and has hit the ground running,” a release by the district stated.

Baker relocated to Soap Lake from Arizona where he worked as an Investigator for the Arizona State Land Department, the release said. He has an extensive Fire Service and Law Enforcement background including serving as a fire chief, fire investigator, fire instructor, fire officer, incident commander Type 3 Incidents, division group supervisor, Strike Team/Task Force Leader and has been successful in writing and managing over $2 million in fire service grants.

“Baker comes from a small community and understands the most important aspect for volunteer fire agencies is community involvement and visibility,” the release said.

Baker’s immediate family include a wife, 10-month-old daughter and 13-year-old son, the release stated. He enjoys being outdoors and serving his community. He prefers small communities because of the pride people have in the community and the support they have for each other through good times and bad.

“Chief Baker was hired because of his vast experience in firefighting, wealth of experience providing training, command presence, grant writing ability and enthusiasm for providing an outstanding service to the community. In just the first three days on the job, the amount of enthusiasm the volunteers have with the direction of the Fire District is energizing and refreshing,” said Josh Chambers, GCFD7 Board Commissioner. “Grant County Fire District 7 proudly welcomes Chief Baker to our fire service family, and we are excited about the future of District 7.”

Grant County Fire District 7 is primarily volunteer and is actively recruiting for volunteers. Call 509-246-0321 or stop by the station, located at 155 Highway 28 W Soap Lake, to meet the Chief and pick up an application.