Captain of the Becker Fire Dept., Randy Bader, 51, recently retired after 24 years of service.

Bader joined the Becker Fire Dept. in 1996 after being inspired by his uncle, who was a volunteer firefighter for a small town in Wisconsin.

Years of Service

During his years of service, Bader not only served as a firefighter, but also worked as an EMT, a small engine mechanic, and has been a member of the confined space team since its inception. He has been an officer for 22 of his 24 years at the department.

Bader is very close with the other Becker firefighters. He has not only made lifelong friends, but also learned to trust his team more than nearly everyone else.

Over the years, there have been lots of improvements in tools and gear for the department. They’ve gotten bigger trucks, new radios and pagers, and better turnout gear. The firefighters have also received better training over the years.

Bader says the scariest calls he received involved careless drivers on icy roads. He wishes to encourage drivers to slow down and pay attention. His most satisfying call was when he was able to save a choking person. Knowing he saved a life is a feeling he will carry with him for the rest of his life. He says that the pay is not good enough for the firefighters to keep doing what they do, but rather it’s the drive to help others that fuels them.

Retirement

Bader has mixed feelings about retirement. “Retiring is tough, I love the excitement and friendships. Helping when called is the most rewarding feeling and I will miss that.,” he says. “But on the other hand, no more middle of the night, jump out of bed, and go calls for duty. It was great. And best wishes for the future for Becker Fire Department.”

He also has some advice for anyone considering becoming a volunteer firefighter: “First, talk with your family: it’s a huge commitment. Second, ask yourself if you want to do it for the right reasons. If you still decide to do it, make a commitment and stick to it. You will have a team depending on you.”

Life Outside the Fire Dept.

Bader grew up in Hanover and graduated from Buffalo High school. He went on to attend college for law enforcement at North Hennepin Community College. He also studied to be a construction electrician at Anoka Technical College. He and his family have lived in Becker for 28 years.

Now that he is retired from the fire dept., Bader is focusing on his job at Big Lake Public Works; running his business, Lake Country Irrigation; and spending time with his wife of 30 years, Kimberly, and his teenagers, Thomas and Allison.