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Austin Fire Chief Steps Down Amid Controversy | Texas News
Austin Fire Chief Joel Baker is stepping down August 31 after nearly eight years leading the department through major milestones — including five new stations, pandemic response, and winter storms — but his final year was marred by controversy over flooding delays in Kerr County and an overtime scandal that exposed a “culture of impropriety.” Despite union criticism and disciplinary actions, firefighters honored his service, and his successor, Chief of Staff Tom Vocke, will lead interim operations as the city launches a nationwide search for a new chief. A retirement event is set for August…
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