Derrick Gaskin, 30 Years of Service

Assistant Chief Derrick Gaskin's journey with the Baytown Fire Department began in 1994, following his service as a U.S. Marine in the first Gulf War. He started as a Firefighter at Station 2, and later promoted to a Fire Engineer in June 2001. In May 2004, he promoted to Lieutenant, where he led his shift at Station 3. In July 2008 Assistant Chief Gaskin, was promoted yet again this time taking on the role Battalion Chief and becoming a shift commander. During his time as shift commander, he rotated through all three shifts before transitioning to the Training Division. In December 2020, you guessed it, he was promoted to Assistant Chief and in 2022 he took command of the Baytown Fire Department Operations Section.

Assistant Chief Gaskin is also seasoned paramedic and skilled instructor in rescue, hazmat, and incident command. He has also been a trusted mentor to many of the department's current officers. His leadership earned him the Hurricane Harvey campaign ribbon for his dedication during the multiday disaster operation. In 2019, he received the Firefighter of the Year award for revitalizing the training program, and he's been honored twice with the Distinguished Service Medal: once for his role in the 2019 Greenpeace protest on the Hartman Bridge, and for his part in helping to establish a firefighter health screening program.

Assistant Chief Gaskin thanks for your service to our country and to your 30 years serving the City of Baytown.