Jacki passed away June 13, 2020, after a two-year long and courageous battle against occupational lung cancer. Jacki promoted through the ranks from firefighter to paramedic to captain. She was a phenomenal captain who took pride in serving the community and fulfilling her responsibilities to the department.
She grew up in a military family and served four years in the Air Force. Jacki received her associate degree from Pima College in 2018. Jacki is survived by her wife, Laura Baker; daughter, Jordan Baker; father, Keith deHaro; brother, Greg deHaro (Linda); niece, Sarah deHaro; and 96-year-old aunt, Phyllis Purrington.
TFD was a natural fit for Jacki’s thrill of life, love for the outdoors, and service. She was full of life, love, and kindness. One crew member said, “I think Jacki really embraced what it means to be a public servant. No matter how trivial the call might have been, she approached the situation like it was her family that she was responding to and expected everyone on her crew to act accordingly. Jacki had no problems being a supervisor and letting you know when you weren’t making the grade, so to speak. But she also didn’t hold back giving you praise when you did a good job.” Jacki received an Award of Service in 2016 for her work with Camp Fury and in 2017 for her Community Risk Reduction (CRR) work. She led her station and the department in the 2017 CRR Challenge to install the most smoke alarms. On the shoulders of Captain deHaro, St#19 and her crew installed 22% of the department’s overall total, winning the challenge. More importantly, she helped reconnect St#19 and the Rita Ranch Community while making many homes safer.
Jacki had a vivacious personality and loved making people laugh. She lit up a room and knew how to bring life to the party. She made friends everywhere she went and left a footprint in many hearts; her beautiful soul will live on in those she touched. One of her favorite quotes was, “To thine own self be true.” She helped others be true to themselves, just as she was. She excelled at instilling courage and confidence in young girls at Camp Fury. Jacki’s “Camp Fury Rocks” will forever live on in our memories.
Her final assignment was at Station 19, “the Ranch.” She loved her crew and took pride in leading them every C shift day. Jacki did not want to go out this way, but her strength, courage, and perseverance was present each day during her battle. As she watches over her brothers and sisters, her words resonate–“Take Care of Each Other.”
Captain deHaro—rest in peace; we will take it from here.
May the Lord shine his light upon you as you watch over all your brothers and sisters in the fire service. May prayers and blessings continue to pour over Laura, Jordan and the rest of your family.
– Jeff Langejans