Crime & Safety
Fallen Officer, A Saratoga Native, Honored 8 Years After Attack
Santa Cruz Police Sgt. Butch Baker, raised in Saratoga, gave it all for his community. Today, local law enforcement honors his sacrifice.
SANTA CRUZ, CA — Friday marked the eighth anniversary of the date that Santa Cruz Police Sgt. Loran "Butch" Baker, who was raised in Saratoga, and Detective Elizabeth Butler laid their lives down for their community.
A public memorial was slated to take place in the Santa Cruz Police Department Baker-Butler Memorial Garden, in front of the police station, at 3:23 p.m. — the minute they lost their lives.
Baker and Butler were fatally shot by a sex assault suspect they had gone to interview. The garden was dedicated on the first anniversary of the shooting.
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"Sergeant Butch Baker and Detective Elizabeth Butler, we thank you for your service, your convictions, and your devotion to duty," police wrote on Facebook. "May you rest in peace knowing your fellow brothers and sisters are watching over your family and continuing the watch."
This day will always weigh heavy on our hearts. Sergeant Butch Baker and Detective Elizabeth Butler -- your sacrifices will never be forgotten.
Posted by Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office on Friday, February 26, 2021
Santa Cruz Police Chief Andrew Mills also chimed in, urging the public to reflect on the sacrifices that Baker and Butler made — not just on the day that they lost their lives, but every single day they served the community.
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"The immeasurable impact of their murders has deep scars for their families and this department," he wrote in a blog post. "One cannot imagine the pain and trauma many members of our department, especially those here at the time, feel when this day rolls around."
Here is how to remember the sacrifice of police officers killed in the line of duty. Cops like Baker and Butler who showed up, were present knowing the incredible risks they faced, yet pushed forward anyway making Santa Cruz better. We honor them. https://t.co/USCQQK0G45
— Andrew Mills (@ChiefAndyMills) February 26, 2021
The Watsonville Police Department also paid tribute to the fallen officers, writing, "Their brave souls will never be forgotten."
It’s hard to believe it has been eight years since their lives were tragically cut short. @SantaCruzPolice Sgt. Butch Baker & Det. Elizabeth Butler paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty while protecting their community.
Their brave souls will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/wMezBbi6zA
— Watsonville Police (@WatsonvillePD) February 26, 2021
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