Table-Time Memories

Exposed to death and serious injury on a regular basis, the para-medics at the Fire Dept. were stunned this morning by the loss of one of their best-liked teammates. As at many stations where firefighters work shifts days at a time rather than hours, cooking is one of the favorite conversational topics. Many firefighters who cook take a ribbing. Unfailingly, they have their culinary skills questioned good-naturedly. Mr. Baird’s specialty was a dish called Chuck Muck. “I don’t know what the ingredients were,” Mr. Bischoff said. “They were a mystery. But everyone had to eat Chuck Muck, and everyone complained.”

His Status as a Para-medic

When Mr. Baird was promoted to para-medic/firefighter three years after joining the department, he clearly excelled at his new assignment. He rose to lead instructor for EMT (Emergency Medical Training). Mr. Baird trained both members of the Fire Dept. and citizens in CPR. Known for his organizing talents, Mr. Baird handled he department’s Christmas Party for needy children every year, Mr. Bischoff said. He also was organizing next week’s picnic at Bill Botts Field for police officers and firefighters. Around City Hall, he was known for being involved in numerous volunteer activities. As the father of three sons, he was a Little League baseball coach, and he also was busy in his church.

Parents Setting a Pace

Chuck and Pam Baird have been known for years for their wide involvement across the community, Not only were the Bairds childhood sweethearts, friends said, they were born on the same day three minutes apart. Mrs. Baird is Council PTA President, presiding over the PTA at each school in the School District. She received her bachelor’s degree this summer from UCLA, friends said. Their three sons, Alex, Tom and Andrew, range in age from 14 to 24. Today was to have been the youngest son’s first day at Culver City High School. Funeral services are pending.