The Great Falls firefighting community is mourning the loss of one of their own.
Jason Baker, 45, passed away Wednesday morning, according to the Montana State Firemen’s Association.
The Montana State Firemen’s Association wrote:
“It is with a heavy heart as we announce the passing of Brother Emeritus Jason Baker. He will be greatly missed. He has been a true Brother, Warrior, Mentor and Friend. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, coworkers and friends.”
The Montana State Council of Professional Fire Fighters shared this statement:
“It is with broken hearts that we announce today that Brother Jason Baker, from IAFF Local 8 has lost his battle with cancer caused by firefighting.
Brother Baker’s legacy of sheer determination and selfless devotion to his local, the IAFF, his brothers and sisters, and most of all his family, will be sorely missed.
Please keep his wife and two children in your hearts and minds in this difficult time.”
Jason was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, or stage four lung cancer, in October of 2016.
He was forced to retire from Great Falls Fire Rescue at the end of 2017.
Jason used his illness as a platform to promote health and safety for firefighters across Montana.
Governor Steve Bullock issued a statement following Jason’s death:
“I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of Jason Baker. My thoughts are with his wife, his family and his colleagues.
Jason and other firefighters across Montana put their lives in danger each and every day. We must in return give the respect and appreciation they and their families deserve. For every firefighter of today and who will one day be called to service, let’s get the Montana Firefighter Health and Safety Bill to my desk for signature. We are all Baker’s Warriors.”
