Pease Firefighter Loses his Life in Car Crash

Rochester, NH — Area firefighters are mourning the loss of one of their own after a single vehicle crash during the weekend in Rochester.

According to New Hampshire State Police, Corey Baker, of Rochester, a Pease Fire and Emergency Services firefighter, passed away after a crash at just after 10:30 p.m. on June 18. He was 28.

State Police were sent to the crash of a 2005 Ford F-150 on the northbound side of the Spaulding Turnpike on the Exit 12 onramp, according to Sgt. Keith Walker of Troop A.

“Baker lost control of his vehicle as he merged onto the highway,” Walker stated, according to the department’s preliminary investigation. “The vehicle struck the guardrail on the left side of roadway and rolled over. Baker was not wearing a seatbelt and sustained fatal injuries as a result of this accident.”

He was pronounced deceased at the scene, Walker stated.

“Speed and impairment appear to be possible contributing factors in this accident," he added. “However, all aspects are being investigated. No other vehicles were involved.”

Traffic was diverted from the area for a short time so another travel lane could be opened. Parts of the turnpike were closed for about two and half hours, according to Walker. Rochester Police, Fire and the NHSP collision unit assisted at the scene.

NHSP are looking for anyone who witnessed the crash. Contact Trooper Michelle Montville, NH State Police-Troop A at 603-223-8490.

Accolades for Baker were posted on social media this morning, confirming that he was the same person who worked at the Pease Fire and Emergency Services unit in Portsmouth. According to information online, the unit provides the New Hampshire Air National Guard, including the 157th Air Refueling Wing, with fire protection, equipment checks and other emergency services. No obituary information was available at post time.

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