Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Trooper Baker,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Air Force. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

November 17, 2023

I knew you for awhile.i gassed
Up your patrol unit.you asked why were open.dave a I worked
For daves brother in law.we asked to keep it open all nite.you handed me a state credit card and i tossed it back to you and said we take cash.we lall laughed and you pulled out heading south on U.S.41.then a 2 lane dark road.in a short time
We saw all kinds of patrol cars heading south.we were the last people as far as i know to see you alive.

H.Philip Platt
Friend and former REMT

August 27, 2023

Rest in peace Trooper Baker.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 17, 2020

Thinking of Trooper Claude Baker, Jr. and his dedicated service to the citizens of Florida and America in the USAF. My thoughts and prayers are with Trooper Baker's family, loved ones and the troopers of my Florida Highway Patrol family. May God watch over all our law enforcement serving others, placing themselves in harms way to make our communities safer. Thank you to the law enforcement families who endure countless untold sacrifices everyday.

Gary Howze, Director
Florida Office of the Attorney General

November 11, 2020

Trooper Baker, I pray that you are resting in glorious peace at the feet of our wonderful Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
I have to apologize for the criminal justice system that was designed and put into place by these foolish mortals here. It does not work, it never has and it never will, yet they do it all in your Father's name! It's ridiculous.
For instance, the miscreant that took your life, also stole a car from a lady and raped her, as well?! He was charged, put in prison, NOT executed, escaped, committed an armed robbery and killed AGAIN! He was captured, only given an additional 80 years, NOT executed??! See what I mean?
We can only pray that God will deal with this Satan-filled creature because we cannot.
Rest in Peace, Hero!

Retired Chief of Police
Porterdale Police Dept.

September 28, 2014

I had to pull off the side of the road, and it was then I came upon your memorial cross. I read what it said and felt a sadness in my heart for you. I did research your name and found out what happened. What a sad shame you had to lose your life so young to a pos criminal... You are a brave man. May you rest in peace.

carrie ann piatek
Civilian

August 11, 2013

We will never forget the heroes who gave their all, and you sir are a hero... Continue to rest in peace Trooper Baker.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

November 17, 2012

Claude Jr. was my first cousin.
"Sam" Deese
Tallahassee, Fla.

"Sam" Deese
1st cousin

May 8, 2012

Rest in Peace, Trooper Baker. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 9, 2012

HEROES live forever and you sir are a hero... May you continue to rest in peace Trooper Baker... We will never forget the sacrifice that you made for us.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Deb

November 17, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 37th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater

November 17, 2010

We will never forget... Heroes do live forever...

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Anonymous

November 17, 2010

My father, Edward T. Saunders, was an investigator for the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office and knew both Claude and Charlie Campbell very well and were close friends. Although I was only a little over a year old when Claude died, I remember the stories my father told as I grew up. It was those memories and those stories of experiences that led my brother and I into the field of Law Enforcement, where I have spent the past 16 years. My father is gone now but his memories, told in stories, of Claude and Charlie and the other men and women he was close to and worked with for years, will continue to be passed on and never forgotten.

911 Dispatcher
Sheriff's Office

May 31, 2010

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

October 27, 2009

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

March 6, 2009

"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

December 12, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

November 29, 2007

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

October 2, 2007

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

September 15, 2007

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

May 27, 2007

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

October 2, 2006

Your FHP family still remembers you.

TROOPER
FHP

May 31, 2004

Rest is Peace Trooper.

Leave the watch to us.

You have earned your rest.

Patrolman Wayne Rosser
R.P.S.P.

November 10, 2003

Rest in peace. We have the watch now.

Inv. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department