2019 Class D Certificate of Commendation - FF/PM Matthew W. Baker (off duty)

 On June 10, 2019, FF/PM Matthew Baker had just gotten home after working his shift on E02. He was with his dogs near the Mokelumne River when he saw a couple struggling in the water. Their boat had capsized and they were hanging onto the branches of a fallen tree, half submerged. FF/PM Baker rushed to his house nearby and got two of his own kayaks. He paddled to the man and woman on one kayak and with the second one strapped behind him. Matt first helped the woman get onto his kayak and helped the man get onto the second kayak. He paddled everyone to shore where an ambulance was waiting. After the local EMT’s checked out the man and woman, they were both released with minor injuries. Had FF/PM Baker not taken action, this could have resulted in injury or worse. He acted above and beyond the role of first responder. 

Class D Certificate of Commendation for FF/PM Matthew W. Baker (off duty)