TULSA, Okla. — Tulsa Mayor GT Bynum announced on Monday his pick for Tulsa Fire Department’s new chief.

Former Chief of Emergency Medical Services Michael Baker was chosen to serve as Tulsa’s 12th Fire Chief.

“Chief Baker has done an outstanding job over the last decade of using data to turn our emergency medical services system into one of the best in the nation,” Mayor Bynum said. “He loves the Tulsa Fire Department, he is an innovator, and he has an exciting vision for the future of the Department.”

Chief Baker played a key role in the development of TFD’s Community Assistance, Referral, and Education Services (CARES) program, which helps triage those who have specific care needs to programs and resources that can help change their lives for the better.

“It is my honor to be selected as the twelfth Fire Chief for the City of Tulsa,” Chief Baker said. “I am excited to be a part of a great leadership team and work with a world class group of firefighters. Great plans are on the horizon that not only address the life and fire safety of all Tulsa residents, but also work to improve the quality of life in our community. Through an informed, collaborative, and equitable team of firefighters, Tulsa will continue emerging as an energetic and resilient community.”

Chief Baker will take his post effective Tuesday.

Interim Fire Chief Scott Clark will return to his regular job duties.

“I think that Michael will be an outstanding Fire Chief and I look forward to the accomplishments he and the Department will achieve together,” Clark said. “I appreciate his dedicated and innovative service to the Department.”