ABOUT JASON BAKER

Jason grew up in Michigan. He grew up in a police family and many officers on the department where his dad worked knew him from the time he was able to walk. At 5 and 6 years old, he would accompany his dad to the police station where his dad was Police Chief. He would do his homework and then sit in dispatch and sometimes, when he got to be older, would ride with officers for short periods of time. Most of the papers he was required to write in junior and senior high school centered on something about law enforcement.

At 8 years old Jason met George H. Bush after a speech in his community. President Bush was so impressed with Jason’s enthusiasm, and knowledge about a career in law enforcement that he took his program and signed it “Jason, Good luck”. That program was one of the many items removed from Jason’s apartment after his death.

Jason participated in a sign language class put on by his dad’s police department after learning that it was designed to help officers serve the non-speaking segment of their community. Jason was fluent in sign language up until the time of his death. At the time he asked to take the class he was 10 years old.

There are many stories and letters after his death from citizens who were fortunate enough to have him respond when tragedy required them to call the police. Jason was “over-enthusiastic” but always felt that every run was important and responded accordingly.

The night he was killed was no different. When he saw something that was not right, he fulfilled his obligation. He had an affinity for “kicking” up chases because of this proactive approach. So no one was surprised when he fell in behind a car with windows so dark you could not see in, a license plate that was wired on and a passenger side door that had the lock punched.

Likewise, no one was surprised that when shots were fired he continued the pursuit clearly communicating critical information to dispatch and responding officers. His car was riddled with bullets and began to perform poorly. Shots were coming through the window and some time during the pursuit he received a wound to his right arm. The hole was on the front and exited through the rear of his arm and the front seat.

During the pursuit Jason un-snapped the bottom snap of his holster, wanting to keep his weapon safe, but knowing he would need it when the pursuit ended. As we learned at trial, the suspect waited in ambush because “Jason wouldn’t give up” and when Jason rounded that final corner he was struck in the head by a round from the AK-47.

Jason loved what he did, loved his fellow officers and most importantly truly believed that his job provided the best opportunity to make a difference in his community. If you would like to communicate with his family or have a question you may email them at JasonBakerRace@aol.com.

"A hero
is one who kindles a great light in the world,
who sets up blazing torches in the dark streets of life
for men to see by."

Felix Adler

BE SAFE