Dennis Baker to Serve as House Chief Sergeant-at-Arms

Legislative Staff Release

Published 25-Jan-2011

House Speaker Kris Steele announced today (Tuesday, January 25) that Dennis Baker will serve as the Chief Sergeant-at-Arms for the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

“Dennis has always been a hard-working and dedicated member of the House staff whose service probably does not receive the recognition and praise truly deserved,” said Steele, R-Shawnee. “I am very excited to announce that Dennis has agreed to serve in this important position.”

The duties of the Chief Sergeant at Arms include attending all House sessions and helping maintain order on the floor, as well as overseeing the operation of committee rooms.

Most importantly, the Sergeants often serve as the unofficial face of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, interacting with the public and directing traffic flow within the building.

“Without Dennis and the other Sergeants-at-Arms, the basic operations of the House would be far more challenging and far less enjoyable,” Steele said. “I greatly appreciate everything they do to make our government work for the citizens.”

Baker worked for IBM as a service manager until his retirement, and later worked as a substitute teacher in the Vo-Tech system. He has worked as a House Sergeant since January 1998.

Baker and his wife, Norma Jean, live in northwest Oklahoma City and have seven children and 10 grandchildren.