Holly MatkinHammond, LA – Louisiana State Police (LSP) Trooper George Baker died in the line of duty on Sunday due to injuries he suffered while assisting with a pursuit.
At approximately 2:15 a.m. on May 20, the 33-year-old trooper and several other law enforcement officers were helping the Hammond Police Department (HPD) stop a suspect who fled from them in a vehicle during a traffic stop, FOX News reported.
Trooper Baker and a fellow officer deployed a tire-deflating device in the roadway, successfully deflating the suspect’s tires and causing the vehicle to crash, The Times-Picayune reported.
But as they scrambled to pull the device out of the traffic lane, a pursuing HPD vehicle slammed into them.
The injured troopers were rushed to the hospital, where Trooper Baker remained until his death on Sunday.
The second trooper suffered minor injuries, and has since been released, The Times-Picayune reported.
Police apprehended two suspects in connection with the pursuit, both of whom have been charged with multiple offenses, according to FOX News.
“The Louisiana State Police is deeply saddened to inform the public Trooper George Baker has succumbed to injuries sustained in the performance of his duties,” the LSP said in a news release. “A vigil of family, friends, and his fellow Troopers remained at the hospital from the very beginning until his passing.”
Trooper Baker’s “lifelong desire” was to become a state trooper, his agency noted.
He served with the Greensburg Police Department for four years and the St. Helena Parish Sheriff’s Office for three years prior to joining LSP in November of 2017.
Trooper Baker also devoted eight years of service to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, to include one combat deployment to the Middle East, according to his department.
“Trooper Baker passed today leaving our hearts heavy but full of pride as he exemplified our values of duty, selfless service, and personal courage,” LSP Superintendent Colonel Kevin Reeves said in the news release.
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards said that Trooper Baker served the state “with honor and dedication.”
“His selfless commitment to his fellow Louisianans represents the best of us and he continues to serve even after his passing by having his organs donated to help others in need,” the governor wrote in a Twitter post. “His courage and bravery will never be forgotten.”
Trooper Baker leaves behind his wife, Heather, and his young daughter, Harper, according to the LSP.
He is also survived by his parents, sisters and his extended family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Louisiana State Police Trooper George Baker, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.