Age: 24
Badge Number: 232

Jason Matthew Baker was born on September 25, 1976. He grew up in a police family and always dreamed of being a police officer. At an early age, he would accompany his dad, the Police Chief, to the police station. There he would do his homework and often sit in dispatch. As he became older, he would ride with officers on patrol for short periods of time. At age 8, Jason met President George H. Bush after a speech in our 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.

While attending North Central High School, Jason participated in the Learning Unlimited Program, which allows students to pursue the same academic material through different methods of learning. Among these are community based experiences, such as public safety. Through this program, Jason performed an internship with the Washington Township Fire Department. He assisted members of Station 223 with duties at the firehouse and spent much of his free time volunteering at the department. In fact, Jason set a record for the number of community hours spent outside of school for Learning Unlimited. This record remains unbroken.

Jason began his law enforcement career as a Marion County Sheriff’s Department Telecommunicator in the Communications Division from 1995 through 1996 and as a Special Deputy transporting prisoners from 1997 until his appointment as a Merit Officer. Jason is the son of Lt. Jerry Baker, a member of the Indianapolis Division of the Indiana University Police Department and previously, Chief of the Albion Michigan Police Department and Marion County Reserve Deputy.

Date of Incident: Monday, Sept 17, 2001
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Weapons Used: Rifle; AK-47
Suspect Info: One shot and killed; Three apprehended

Jason always seemed to know what was the right thing to do, and when something bad was about to happen. It was no different on Monday, September 17, 2001. Around 7:20 p.m., Jason was in route to a disturbance when his attention was diverted by a vehicle which he attempted to investigate. The driver of the vehicle refused to stop and Jason pursued. During the chase, two of the suspects armed with AK-47 assault rifles opened fire, causing damage to Jason and his patrol car. The suspects vehicle turned a corner, stopped, and setup an ambush from inside their car. When Jason turned the corner the suspects, wearing body armor, exited their vehicle and opened fire. It was at this time that Jason was fatally wounded. Medics attempted to rush Jason to the hospital, but he died en route.

On September 21, 2001, Deputy Jason Matthew Baker was laid to rest at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis. “I wish all of you could have heard him on the radio Monday night, said Chaplain Rick Kassel of the Marion County Sheriff’s Department. “He was a warrior. He was a true warrior. He was taking on fire. There was not an ounce of fear in him, and he still chased and fought to the end. Jason, we will miss you.”

His Marion County Sheriff’s Department radio and badge numbers were permanently retired by the department. As is tradition in law enforcement, the following words were announced over the Marion County Sheriff’s Department radio:

“All Marion County Units, 232 has marked 10-42
and has gone home for the final time.”