Deputy Mayor Tom Baker Retires After
40 Years of Public Service

Deputy Mayor Tom Baker, who has an exemplary 40-year career of service to the citizens of Tulsa, retired from the City of Tulsa as of Monday, June 30.

Baker began his career with the Tulsa Fire Department as a cadet and worked his way through the ranks to become Fire Chief, a post he held for 16 years. Upon retirement from the Fire Department, Baker made a successful bid for a City Council seat which he held for four years. Baker joined Mayor Kathy Taylor’s administrative team as Deputy Mayor following her inuguration in April 2006..

“Tom Baker is the ultimate definition of public service,” said Taylor. “When I was elected mayor, his experience, institutional knowledge and friendship was invaluable to me throughout the transition and he helped launch our administration.”

During his tenure with the Administration he worked to implement performance standards throughout city departments while overseeing several administrative programs and initiatives. His experience in emergency first response prompted the Mayor to tap Baker to serve as lead facilitator to review the analysis and renewal of the emergency medical services contract. He currently serves in a statewide capacity on the State Fire Marshal’s Commission.

Baker said he credits his lifetime commitment to public service to values learned from his family. His mother, Alene Baker served the north Tulsa community in the State Legislature.

“Tom Baker’s service has left a permanent and positive impact on this city,” said Taylor. “His dedication is unmatched and his lifetime mentorship to firefighters and city employees is unprecedented. His is a legacy that simply cannot be replaced.”