Paul Darrin Baker photo via social media post at this link. Read more about the incident below.
It’s been 18 years since a firefighter fell to his death from an Interstate bridge while working the scene of an accident in Benton, Arkansas. State and local officials worked together to honor Paul Baker, and will dedicate that bridge over the Saline River as the Paul Baker Memorial Bridge.
“Paul Baker exemplified bravery, sacrifice, and dedication to protecting others,” said Russell Evans, Benton Fire Chief. “It is only fitting that this bridge, a vital connection for our community, now carries his name as a reminder of the selflessness of our first responders.”
Lt. Paul Darrin Baker was a 39-year-old truck driver, husband, father, and volunteer firefighter at Turtle Creek Fire & Rescue. On August 10, 2007, he was on the scene of a wreck on Interstate 30 at the bridge over the Saline River. He died in the line of duty. The details of the incident follow, according to a statement by FEMA:
A vehicle crash occurred on a local interstate highway. One of the vehicles involved in the crash ended up parked on the shoulder of the Saline River Bridge. Firefighters were dispatched to the incident to control a gasoline leak.
Firefighters arrived on the scene and controlled the gasoline leak. Absorbent material was poured on the leaked fuel. Lieutenant Baker mounted the hood of the vehicle and attempted to reach in through the driver’s window to shut off the ignition.
He slipped and fell approximately 40 feet off of the bridge to the ground. Lieutenant Baker was pronounced dead at the scene.
Read the details of the event below.
The City of Benton, Arkansas Department of Transportation and State Senator Kim Hammer worked together to create this tribute. Together, they invite the community to gather in his honor for the naming ceremony to be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 11, 2025.
Local officials, family members, fellow firefighters and community members will attend. The public is encouraged to join in this solemn and meaningful event, to remember Firefighter Baker, and all who have given their lives in service.
The ceremony will take place at the Cherry Gingles Demuth Public Access Area of the Saline River, located behind Sunset Lake. For GPS navigation, use the address Henry St, Benton, AR, 72015. There will be signs directing traffic.
Browse MySaline’s list of all the events in Saline County, at www.mysaline.com/events.
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