VIDEO: A person who contracted the rare eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) in Madison County has died, his family said.
George Caswell Baker Jr., of Chittenango, was an Army Veteran and was the chaplain of the Chittenango Fire Department, where he was a member for 56 years.
Baker Jr. was the first recorded human case of the mosquito-borne disease in Madison County, the Public Health Department said.
His daughter, Cassie Crane, said Baker Jr. was a wonderful, kind-hearted man. She said losing him has been devastating.
Along with the family, the entire Chittenango community is grieving the loss of a pivotal member. The Fire Department has hung black and purple bunting above the doors. Other neighbors have hung American flags outside their homes as a memorial.
Erick Haas, President of the Chittenango Fire Department, said when he heard about the passing of Baker Jr., he was heartbroken.
“A real big hole is going to be in the department for a long time,” said Haas.
