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Gov. Edwards orders flags at half-staff in honor of Trooper George Baker

george baker.PNG
Posted at 2:07 PM, May 27, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-27 15:07:19-04

On Wednesday, Governor John Bel Edwards ordered flags to be flown at half-staff for Louisiana State Police Trooper George Baker who died from injuries sustained in the line of duty.

Flags at half-staff will fly over the State Capitol and all public buildings until sunset on Thursday, May 28, 2020, as an expression of respect.

Trooper Baker is survived by his wife Heather, daughter Harper, his parents, sisters, and extended family.

Baker and another trooper were injured Wednesday May 20, at about 2 a.m. while helping Hammond Police in a vehicle pursuit that started in Hammond. Baker and the other trooper were removing a spike strip from a road after it had disabled the suspect vehicle's tires, a release from State Police says.

As Baker and the other trooper were pulling up the spike strip, a Hammond Police unit following the suspect hit them, the release states. One trooper was treated and released with minor injuries. Baker's injuries were critical and for several days troopers and family kept a vigil at the hospital.

Trooper Baker served in the United States Marine Corps for eight years, deploying on a combat tour in the Middle East, before serving with the Greensburg Police Department, St. Helena Parish Sheriff's Office and the Louisiana State Police.

"As a United States Marine, Greensburg Police Officer, St. Helena Parish Sheriff's Deputy and Louisiana State Police Officer, Trooper Baker dedicated his life to serving and protecting others. Even after his passing, Trooper Baker continued to help those in need by donating his organs," Gov. Edwards said. "He lived the Louisiana State Police values of courtesy, loyalty, and service every day, and his integrity and bravery will long be remembered. I ask the people of Louisiana to continue to lift up Trooper Baker, his family, friends, and colleagues in prayer as we all mourn this great loss."

Click here [gov.louisiana.gov]for the executive order.

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