When I arrived at Reno Fire Station 4 on Ralston St., looking to spotlight one of their own, Captain Laura Baker wasn’t on duty. Still, her name was the first to be spoken unanimously and without hesitation by the crew that day.
“You’ve got to come back for Captain Baker,” they said. “She’s the one you want, she's perfect for this.”
They spoke of her qualities with pride: her dedication, leadership, and the way she cares for her team like family. When I returned to meet her, Captain Baker was slightly taken aback that her crew had recommended her with such high praise, a smile lighting up her face.
Born in Caliente Nevada, and raised in Sun Valley, Baker’s journey to firefighting wasn’t a straight line. Growing up she dreamed of becoming a trauma surgeon, inspired by her maternal grandmother Jo, a county nurse who often brought young Laura along on home visits.
“By the time I was 10, I’d already learned so much about patient care,” Baker said.
Her grandmother's compassion and resilience left a deep impression on her, shaping the values she carries to this day. But when her grandmother passed away from cancer, life took a different path.
In her early 20s, Baker began fighting wildfires with the Bureau of Land Management. In 1988, at just 21, Baker joined the Reno Fire Department, marking the beginning of a career now spanning more than 36 years.
“I was tired of college,” she admitted. “My dad and uncle fought fire so once I started it was in my blood.”
Captain Baker describes her days at the station as unpredictable and demanding, but she says she thrives on the variety. Firefighting isn’t always about being the hero or celebrating the good days. She speaks honestly about the hard realities of the job.
“We don’t just fight fires,” she said. “ We are an all risk department, medical calls, hazardous materials, water rescues – you name it, we do it. We see things nobody should have to see, but we talk things out good or bad. This job is tough, but we help each other a whole lot.”
On top of the emotional toll of the job, there's the challenges of being away from loved ones. The long shifts, unpredictable hours, and the high stakes of firefighting can make it difficult to stay connected to family. Recognizing this Captain Baker invites her crew’s family to join in on firehouse dinners. Offering a chance to bond and recharge as they share meals, stories, and laughter as they become one big family.
Calls can come in at any moment, day or night. During her last 48 hour shift Baker’s watch recorded only 45 minutes of sleep. On occasions when the calls slow down, the crew on duty will play some basketball. Watching Baker shoot hoops, it’s easy to see the echoes of her childhood when she spent days riding across fields with her pony, Millie, skiing, playing softball, and camping in Lincoln County.
Over the years, Baker has created countless memories, from delivering a baby during a call to pinning her own son when he joined the Reno Fire Department as a paramedic firefighter. Through it all Baker has remained grounded in the values that brought her to firefighting in the first place: service, resilience, and family.
Some days, you might hear Baker called “Wolverine” a nod to her tough attitude, and her ability to stay on top of her crew, pushing them to be the best.
But don’t be fooled by that fierce nickname, as her nurturing side has also earned her the title of “Mama Bear” from her crew. Whether she’s mentoring new recruits, encouraging them to study for their exams, or simply making sure they’re well fed, she’s fiercely protective of her team.
“You have to be a caring individual to do this job,” she explained. “Physically, mentally, and emotionally strong or willing to get there and you need to know where to turn if things get tough.”
Whether she’s responding to emergencies, mentoring her team, or shooting hoops in front of the fire house, Baker embodies the spirit of service. Her crew’s admiration for her speaks volumes, and it's clear that she’s making a lasting impact at Reno Fire Station 4.