MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. – -- Some of us knew what we wanted to be when we were children, while the rest might still be trying to figure it out.
Sean Baker, an aircrew flight equipment mechanic for M1 support services at the 40th Helicopter Squadron, always knew he wanted to be a fireman.
Unfortunately for Baker, a genetic condition disqualified him from fulfilling his dream job.
“I am color vision deficient so I cannot be a paid fireman but I can be a volunteer,” said Baker.
Baker has been a volunteer firefighter for 18 years and was voted in as a member of the Sand Coulee Volunteer Fire Department in November 2016.
Since then, he has volunteered more than 200 hours, including assisting with a recent fire on base and the Alice Creek fire near Lincoln.
“He put in advanced leave just to be prepared to support all of the firefighting that’s going on around Montana right now so he’s taking his own allowed time off and using it to fight fires,” said Master Sgt. Scott Andrews, 40th Helicopter Squadron flight engineer. “He also helped with the fire on base and kept it from running into the horse stables while on his way to work.”
Between volunteer firefighting and his job on base there is a theme, taking care of and protecting people.
While working his 10 hour shifts at the 40th HS, Baker can be found in a shop of lockers and equipment where he maintains and inspects the helmets, vests, night vision goggles and other gear required for aircrew.
“We work really close with the aircrew, I actually call them ‘my’ aircrew because I work on their safety gear, which is the last line of defense if something were to go wrong,” said Baker.
In addition to equipment maintenance, he also fits, manages and issues the gear to each aircrew member.
“I literally depend on the equipment that he preflights and issues to me and it’s what keeps me safe and alive,” said Andrews. “If I don’t have the equipment that he provides I can’t hear, I am not protected and I cannot execute the mission.”
Part of working with aircrew flight equipment is ensuring that all gear is safe, legal, fire retardant when necessary and falls within regulations.
“Pretty much everything we step into the aircraft and fly with, including everything we wear and have in our bags to do our mission with, he’s the guy that determines whether it meets safety standards for approval,” said Capt. Pace Stead, 40th HS pilot.
Aircrew members understand the importance of Baker’s job and appreciate the thorough support he provides the squadron and the community.
“Sean is an operator, he supports everybody and everything he does is selfless. He’s definitely a selfless patriot,” said Andrews.
The Canton, New York, native has a passion for taking care of people and keeping them safe.
“In (flight equipment) we take care of aircrews’ lives and firefighting saves lives so it kind of goes hand-in-hand,” said Baker. “It may sound cliché but that’s what I want to do, protect people and make sure they come home.”