Fire Service Community Achievement Award

 

Mike Baker joined the Archville Fire Co. on June 12, 1962, and has served in many capacities in the department over the years. When he joined, he was a young and energetic firefighter and he continues in that mode today as an internal firefighter. He sets an example for the members with his devotion to physical fitness as demonstrated by his competitive running and fitness schedule.

Baker is currently Deputy Chief and has brought an innovative physical fitness program to the firehouse. This program has introduced yoga classes to the members with classes taken at the fire headquarters. This physical fitness program is unique in the fire service in New York State.

He’s served twice as Chief and contributed to Archville’s transition to an independent fire department when the department separated from the Briarcliff Manor Fire Department. As training officer, Baker established an innovative self-training center that allowed members to have the video and written material at fire headquarters to help keep their skills sharp. He was instrumental in the establishment of Archville’s Service Awards Program that has been a valuable asset for the department.

In the community, Baker is on the Board of the Loucks Track Meet, which is a major high school track meet held at White Plains High School that draws schools from the Eastern Seaboard, Bermuda and Canada. This Board organizes and runs this meet for over 3,000 athletes.

Since retiring, Baker has devoted much of his time to writing and currently has published a book that teaches children and adults about Lyme disease prevention.

This has involved extensive speaking appearances at Rotary meetings and other public forums. He was elected to the Board of the Hudson Valley Writers Center in Sleepy Hollow. This organization promotes literary education and has many literary outreach programs throughout the community.

Baker is on the Community Board of Arc Stages in Pleasantville, a community theatre that promotes local heater with a major emphasis on youth theatre and education. Arc Stages honored his commitment at their 2012 gala.

As an avid gardener, Baker is now volunteering for the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Connecticut. In 2019, he established an ongoing award in the memory of its founder Bill Duesing. This award, called the Bill Duesing Organic Living on the Earth Award is given each year to an outstanding farmer who demonstrates a commitment to preserving the earth.

Baker has been a member of the White Plains Rotary Club for the last 25 years and chaired the Ethics Committee that awards an Ethics Award each year to a Westchester business individual. He was Chairman of the White Plains Rotary Foundation and guided the Foundation through the financial crisis in 2008-09. In 2013, Baker volunteered for the Hurricane Sandy First Responder Harlem Magic Basketball Fundraiser that brought both police and firefighters to play in this basketball fundraiser.

In 2013, the Visiting Nurse Services of Westchester honored Baker for his community service and the many years he served on their Board. In 2012, he co-chaired the Crosby Nash concert fundraiser for the Open Door Family Medical Center, which provides medical services to the community regardless of ability to pay in multiple locations in Westchester and Putnam Counties.

It is a great honor for the whole department to have Baker recognized for his unselfish commitment to the fire service and the entire Westchester County community.

Adapted from a nomination by Tom Gustin, Briarcliff Manor Fire Department President, Second Assistant Chief and Ex-Chief

1994	Joseph B. Kuhn (deceased)	Penfield Fire Company, Inc.
1995	Gus Wehrlin (deceased)	Farmington Volunteer Fire Association, Inc
1996	Richard F. Laitenberger (deceased)	Union Hill Fire Department, Webster
1997	William J. Reilly (deceased)	West Babylon Fire Department
1998	William A. Wutz (deceased)	Hutchinson Hose Company, Williamsville
1999	Robert V. Lyon (deceased)	Setauket Fire Department, East Setauket
2000	No Award Given
2001	Bernard O. Monson (deceased)	Albertson Hook & Ladder, Engine & Hose Co.
2002	James Mahoney (deceased)	Northport Fire Department
2003	No Award Given
2004	John S. DaVanzo (deceased)	Mineola Fire Department
2005	Joseph E. Sills, Jr.	A. H. Wicks Engine & Truck Company, Kingston
2006	James Crowley	Woodstock Fire Company #4
2007	Warren J. Rathke (deceased)	Wrights Corners Fire Company
2008	Thomas P. Sullivan	Mombasha Fire Company
2009	Philip F. DeLorenzo	Piermont Volunteer Fire Department
2010	Ernest Matthews	Hillcrest Volunteer Fire Company
2011	Brian J. Greck	Medford Fire Department
2012	Stanley Figiel	Big Tree Volunteer Fire Company
2014	Martin Horanburg	Miller Hose Company, Inc.
2015	Donald E. Snyder	Wantagh Fire Department
2016	John McKenna	Northport Volunteer Fire Department
2017	Thomas J. Cuff, Jr.	Levittown Fire Department
2019	Primo Biscaro	Erie Hose Co., Warsaw Fire Department