Tod Baker considers himself to be a different kind of leader. About two months after being named the new Madison Fire District chief, he’s already proving it.
“I have a different perspective than most,” Baker said in an Aug. 16 interview at Madison Fire District’s Station No. 3 at 33 N. Lake St. “I’m a very big believer in servant leadership.”
And he’s not exaggerating his hands-on approach to the role. Just consider his schedule. “I’m technically a 40-hour-a-week guy on paper,” he said. “But I typically work a couple (24-hour) shifts a week.”
He said, to him, it’s essential to stay active in providing service to his community, as well as balance the books, budget expenses and all the other administrative responsibilities a fire chief assumes.