Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania
End of Watch Tuesday, September 25, 1798
Add to My HeroesHilary Baker
Superindentent Hilary Baker died as a result of contracting yellow fever during an outbreak in the city. As the citizens fled the city due to the outbreak Superintendent Baker stayed to assist the watchmen he was in charge of and gave aide to those affected. While doing so he became ill and contracted the disease.
While acting as Superintendent he also served as mayor of the city of Philadelphia. While acting as mayor, Superindentent Baker was tasked by the city council to appoint a police force to protect the city from vandalism and looting. He created the city's first paid, uniformed watch through an Act of Assembly on May 22nd, 1797. He originally appointed 20 watchmen for day patrols and 15 for the night.
He was originally buried at Zion Church at Eighth and Race Streets, which is now the current location of Philadelphia Police Department headquarters. He was reinterred at Laurel Hill Cemetery
Superintendent Baker was a Continental Army veteran of the Revolutionary War. He had served with the Philadelphia Police Department for less than one 1-1/2 years. He was survived by his wife and five children.
Bio
- Age 52
- Tour 1 year, 4 months
- Badge SUPERINTEN
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Duty related illness
Most Recent Reflection
View all 9 ReflectionsSupt. Baker,
Please forgive my previous reflection left for you where I got your End of Watch anniversary wrong. On today, the 225th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Philadelphia and our Country as well when you served with the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War fighting the British for our Nation's Independance.
R.I.P.
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United States Border Patrol
September 25, 2023
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