State police today laid one of their own to rest. The funeral for Trooper George Baker was this morning.
Baker died after a Hammond police officer accidentally ran into him during a chase last week as Baker picked up a spike strip used to flatten a fleeing suspect's tires.
Because of social distancing, a limited group of police and family gathered with Governor John Bel Edwards for the ceremony. State Police shared the funeral on social media for others to be able to take part.
"On behalf of the people of Louisiana I want to express my deepest condolences," Edwards said. "Trooper Baker was a true public servant who fulfilled his lifelong goal of becoming a Louisiana State Trooper."
The governor said even before he was a state police officer Baker lived the values of courtesy, loyalty and service.
"First in the United States Marine Corps, during which time he was deployed to the Middle East, and then at the Greensberg Police department... and then after that at the St. Helena Parish Sheriff's Office. He well and ably served his country, he served his state, and he served his parish."
Edwards added, "The words thank you are obviously inadequate and inefficient to express the profound gratitude that we owe Trooper Baker."
Baker's sister, Stephanie Smith, spoke on behalf of the family.
"My brother had an amazing life," she said. "I am standing here today, not to mourn a death, but to celebrate a life."
Smith said her brother always wanted to be a state trooper.
"From the day my brother was born, every goal he set, he conquered," she said. "He was brave, strong fun and a hero. He was my hero."
Louisiana State Police Commander Kevin Reeves announced, "Trooper George Baker, end of watch, May 24th, 2020. Well done Trooper Baker."
