Recognizing Junior R. ``skip'' Baker

Floor Speech

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Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Junior R. ``Skip'' Baker for an incredible 70 years of service to the Genesee Township Volunteer Fire Department.

In 1955, Skip joined the Genesee Township Volunteer Fire Department and has been a steady presence through decades of change. He served as fire police, EMT, and fire warden for 25 years. He even completed EMT training alongside his late wife, Dorothy, and son Bill.

His sons, Bill and Steve, have both held leadership roles, and now his grandson, Christopher, continues the Baker legacy. Skip has driven nearly every apparatus the department has owned and still runs the pumper and tanker with skill.

Skip played a major role in planning the current fire station, saving the department tens of thousands of dollars through smart cost cutting.

Skip has been on the front lines of major incidents, from the Kane tornado to floods, barn fires, and even a military plane crash.

At age 94, he remains calm, capable, and committed.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Skip for his lifetime of service and the integral role he has played in ensuring his community's safety.

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