United States Department of the Treasury - United States Customs Service, U.S. Government
End of Watch: Tuesday, September 27, 1932
Age: 24
Tour of Duty: 3 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Exposure to toxins
Date of Incident: September 27, 1932
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Inspector Joseph Baker died as a result of being exposed to toxic fumes while inspecting the steamship West Neris for contraband at the Poydres Street Wharf in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Inspector Baker was in the ship's hold when he collapsed. The ship's second mate was also overcome by fumes and died while attempting to rescue him. Three other men, including a city fireman and the chief custom's inspector, were also overcome by the fumes but were revived.
Inspector Baker had served with the United States Customs Service for three years.