| On Thursday July 9th, three members of the Honey Brook Fire Company made the trip with Engine 33-2 to the funeral of Kenhorst Fire Company Deputy Chief Corey Baker. Chief Baker has been an active firefighter for Kenhorst Fire Co. for over 25 years serving multiple positions. The members, Captain Dan Brooks, First Lieutenant Bruce Harlan, and FF Brian Barrett, left station 33 at 9 am and made the trip north to Kuhn Funeral Home in West Reading where they met up with multiple other companies that showed up to pay honor to Corey. After the funeral all the Firefighters, EMS, and Police Officers formed to lines and stood at attention and saluted as Corey's flag draped coffin was carried past and placed in the hearse. Members loaded up in their apparatus and followed the precession which stretched for miles. Local, State, and Fire Police worked together to completely shut down all roads from the Funeral Home to the cemetery in Laureldale (off route 61) which included shutting down Rt. 422 west and 222 North. Upon arrival at the Cemetary, the crews lined up once again and saluted while bagpipes played and Deputy Chief, Friend, Father, and Husband Corey Baker was carried to his final resting place. Crews returned home at around 3pm.
In today's society where we forget about the true heroes and tend to idolize some for simply playing a sport, singing a song, or acting on TV and movies.....it feels incredible to see someone who has done so much to better his community, his family, his fire company, and never asked for anything in return, get the honor and respect he deserves. May we never forget our fallen TRUE heros (firefighters, Police, EMS, Military, etc.) who protect us every day.
Obituary from Reading Eagle:
Corey Allen Baker, 42, Reading, died July 6, 2009, in Reading Hospital.
He was the husband of Rose M. (Rodriguez) Baker. They celebrated the 23rd year of marriage on June 28.
Born in West Reading he was a son of Gwen L. (Weidner) Baker, Reading, and the late Crale M. "Mick" Baker. He is also survived by his stepmother, Fern J. Baker, Bernville.
He was a graduate of Governor Mifflin High School in 1984.
Corey was a foreman for Todd Lengle & Co., Inc., Shillington for 21 years, last working June 26.
He was a volunteer firefighter since the age of 14 and was the deputy chief for Engine 69, Kenhorst.
Corey loved woodworking and working in his yard. He was a diehard Steelers fan.
Other survivors include his two sons, Justin Allen Baker and Zachary Crale Baker, both at home; and his brother, Michael S., husband of Eedy Baker, Bethel. His two dogs, Bandit and Chase also survive him.
He was predeceased by his sister, Cathy Jo Baker. |
