Trooper Claude H. Baker Jr. Florida Highway Patrol Florida Saturday, November 17, 1973  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

I am doing an Eagle Scout project to honor Trooper Baker. There will be a ceremony on May 22, 2010 at 9 AM at the South County Courthouse, 4000 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice, Florida and it is open to anyone and everyone that supports law enforcement officers and their families. Chief Judge Haworth and Sheriff Tom Knight will be there and hopefully many more important officials. Other parts of the Eagle Scout project include renaming part of U.S. 41 the Trooper Claude Baker Memorial Highway, placing a cross by the roadside where he was killed, rehabilitating his headstone and picture at the Venice FHP office. Please, anyone who knew Trooper Baker, write to me with memories of him to: Tab Brewer, 1864 Mid Ocean Circle, Sarasota, Florida 34239-3409. All letters received from those that knew him or knew of him will be given to the family in a scrapbook at the ceremony.

Life Scout Tab Brewer
Boy Scout Troop 77, Venice, Florida
2009-10-27

I did not know Trooper Baker personally but I did join the Venice Police Department shortly after his death. I did know and work with his fellow trooper and friend Charlie Campbell who was also murdered a year later. As a former police officer I feel so much grief and pain whenever one of our officers are lost. What also saddens me greatly is that in Trooper Bakers case this useless human being that murdered this fine officer is still breathing. This was not the case of the killer who murdered Trooper Campbell. Where would we all be if not for these fine officers of the law who put their lives on the line every single day. God bless them and their families. Every officer at Venice Police Department that I spoke with had nothing but the highest regard for Trooper Baker.

Frank Warren
Ft. Laud. PD, Venice PD, DSI Narc.Sgt. Maine
2009-03-06

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
2007-12-12

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH
2007-11-29

The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
2007-10-02

I met Trooper Baker when I was a teenager. He was an inspiration so I got into law enforcement. I joined the US Armey as a Military Policeman. While on leave back home in Venice Florida I rode with him a while and helped direct traffic one night at an accident. I never knew that would be the last time I would ever see him. Too bad the suspect did not get death?

Immigration Officer- Michael Holmes
DHS U.S. Immigration
2007-09-15

I was 20 years old when my cousin Claude was killed. I remember him vaguely from years growing up. He was my cousin, the son of my mother's brother.
I am proud to have him honored as a law enforcement officer.

COUSIN
2007-05-27

I remember the phone call the night of this tragedy. It semed that nearly everyone in law enforcement was on scene to assist in the locating and arrest of the suspect.

Trooper Baker was the FHP Auxiliary OIC who was highly respected (and loved) by those who were in his charge. A consummate professional, his loss affected not only his family, but his fellow officers, his friends and the entire community.

Our world was a better place when Claude Baker was in it.

1st Sgt Marshall K DuBois
[Former] FHP Auxiliary - Troop F
2006-10-02

Your FHP family still remembers you.

TROOPER
FHP
2004-05-31

Rest is Peace Trooper.

Leave the watch to us.

You have earned your rest.

Patrolman Wayne Rosser
R.P.S.P.
2003-11-10

Rest in peace. We have the watch now.

Inv. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department