Lewis H. Baker Fire Service Award
The Lewis H. Baker Fire Service Award, named in honor of one of Tennessee’s most respected and enduring fire service leaders, is presented annually by the Tennessee Firemen’s Association. This prestigious award recognizes an individual who has selflessly devoted themselves to the betterment of the fire service in Tennessee or who has made a lasting and significant impact on the profession statewide.
About Lewis H. Baker (1928–2009)
Lewis H. Baker began his fire service career in 1950, eventually becoming Fire Chief of the Collierville Fire Department, a position he held for twelve years. He served as a volunteer firefighter for 15 years before he was appointed a West Tennessee Itinerant Fire Instructor for the State of Tennessee. In 1971, Mr. Baker joined the Tennessee State Fire School in Murfreesboro, where he spent 33½ years training generations of firefighters, specializing in pump operations. He officially retired from the Fire School on June 30, 2001.
Mr. Baker was deeply committed to advancing fire service education. He was a past President and longtime member of the Tennessee Firemen’s Association, served as a Director for five years, and was a member of the International Society of Fire Service Instructors (ISFSI).
A Joint House Resolution issued upon his retirement recognized Mr. Baker as an “estimable citizen who served with probity,” noting his exceptional ability to motivate others and his influence on countless firefighters across the state and nation.
Born on November 22, 1928, in Oakville, Tennessee, Mr. Baker graduated from Collierville High School in 1947 and was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force. He was also a faithful member of Westwood Baptist Church. After retirement, he enjoyed riding his motorcycle, fishing, and spending time with his beloved family. He was known for his humility, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to the fire service.
Legacy
Lewis Baker’s legacy continues through this award bearing his name, ensuring that his life’s work—training, mentoring, and uplifting the fire service—is celebrated and remembered. The award honors those who embody the same commitment, character, and spirit of service that defined Lewis H. Baker’s remarkable career.
2025 Lewis H. Baker Award
The Tennessee Firemen's Association (TFA) awards the “Lewis Baker Fire Service Award” annually to recognize an individual who has given of themselves for the betterment of the fire service in Tennessee or who has made a significant impact on the fire service in Tennessee.
Congratulations to the retired
Pikeville Fire Chief Paul Swafford,
on winning the 2025 Lewis Baker Award!
Chief Swafford began his fire service career in 1976 when he joined the Pikeville Fire Department. At that time, the department had been established for less than thirty years, providing him the unique opportunity to train alongside many of the department's founding members. Those early experiences shaped a career built upon tradition, excellence, and a deep respect for those who came before him.
He faithfully served the Pikeville Fire Department as both an active firefighter and Chief until 2023, including more than twenty-six years as Fire Chief. Upon stepping down, he was named the department's first-ever Lifetime Member, a distinction that reflects the extraordinary impact he had on the organization and the members who served alongside him. Throughout his career, he was also recognized multiple times as the department's Firefighter of the Year, an award presented not only for exceptional response to emergency calls but also for consistently going above and beyond the ordinary call of duty.
Chief Swafford's leadership extended far beyond his own department. During his tenure as Chief, he served as one of three Bledsoe County Emergency Management Agency Director's Assistants, providing county-wide leadership during emergencies and advising numerous public safety organizations. His experience, judgment, and willingness to serve made him a trusted leader throughout the county.
His influence reached across Tennessee through his dedicated service to the Tennessee Firemen's Association (TFA). He proudly served as President of the Association in 2020 and again in 2023, while also serving for many years on the TFA Advisory Committee. His commitment to the Association was unwavering, and he became one of its strongest advocates, continually encouraging firefighters to become involved and to attend the annual conference and educational opportunities.
Chief Swafford also represented the Tennessee Firemen's Association on the Tennessee Fire Coalition, serving for several years as part of the Association's delegation. Through this role, he helped promote collaboration and advance the interests of the fire service across the state.
Closer to home, Chief Swafford devoted more than twenty years as President of the Bledsoe County Mutual Aid Association, retiring from that position in 2024. Recognizing the importance of regional cooperation, he also spearheaded the creation of the Sequatchie Valley Mutual Aid Association, serving as its President until January 2026. His vision for stronger partnerships between departments has improved communication, training, and emergency response capabilities throughout the region.
One of Chief Swafford's greatest passions has always been firefighter education. He consistently promoted the Tennessee Fire and Codes Academy (TFACA) and considered its courses the gold standard for firefighter training. Whether within his own department or at mutual aid meetings throughout the valley, he encouraged firefighters to pursue professional development and never missed an opportunity to advocate for quality training.
Congratulations Chief! Well deserved!
Contact Tennessee Firemen's Association
PO Box 430
Ashland City, Tennessee 37015
931-739-3405