Deputy Sheriff Frederick A. Baker
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office
Florida

End of Watch: Wednesday, January 9, 1924
Cause: Gunfire

Biographical Info
Age: 35
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available

Deputy Frederick Baker was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a group of fugitives in the Everglades, 25 miles north of West Palm Beach. The gang was wanted for crimes spanning several years, including the murders of Deputy Wilber Hendrickson, of the Dade County Sheriff's Department, and Officer John Riblet, of the Miami Police Department, on June 2, 1915.

Deputy Baker was leading a posse when they entered the fugitive gang's camp. As the posse entered the camp, the fugitives opened fire. Deputy Baker and one of the suspects were killed in the shootout.

The remaining fugitives fled into the swamp as their hideout was burned to the ground. On November 1, 1924, the four remaining members of the gang were shot and killed when a posse located them in St. Lucie County.

 
Photograph: Deputy Sheriff Frederick A. Baker

Patch image: Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, Florida

Visit Deputy Sheriff Baker's memorial at www.ODMP.org