The Aggressive Life with Brian Tome The Secret Lives of Firefighters with Denny Baker—Cincinnati Fire Department
Dec 9, 2025
Denny Baker, a Cincinnati Fire Department lieutenant with nearly 30 years of experience, shares vivid insights into the life of a firefighter. He discusses the intense emotional weight of responding to traumatic calls, especially those involving children. Denny emphasizes the importance of mental health support for crews, camaraderie among volunteers, and the physical demands of the job. He also reveals his unique side gig as a ventriloquist, adding a surprising twist to his service-oriented life.
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Family Legacy Shaped A Career
- Denny Baker grew up in a firefighting family and never imagined doing anything else.
- His great-uncle, father, cousins, and brother all worked in fire service and influenced his path.
Camaraderie Lowers On-The-Job Stress
- Denny says strong crew camaraderie and training reduce stress on difficult calls.
- Shared humor and working through hard times build resilience for firefighters.
Rehearse Calls Mentally
- Mentally rehearse emergency scenarios to stay calm and act quickly on scene.
- Size up every call in your mind so practiced responses come naturally under pressure.
