Friday’s Heroes: Remembering The Fallen
The Graveyard Shift extends our condolences to the families of the brave officers who lost their lives while working to keep us safe.
Correctional Officer Eric Williams, 34
Federal Bureau Of Prisons
United States Penitentiary Canaan – Waymart, Pennsylvania
February 25, 2013 – Officer Eric Williams was stabbed by an inmate while working inside the correctional facility. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The weapon used in the incident was a homemade “shank.”
Sergeant Loran “Butch” Baker
Santa Cruz California Police Department
February 26, 2013 – Sergeant Loran Baker was shot and killed while he and Detective Elizabeth Butler were approaching a residence as part of a follow-up investigation into a sexual assault case. The suspect in the case opened the door to the residence and began firing at the officers, striking and killing both. He then stole their service weapons and fled, but was killed during a shootout with other officers. The suspect was wearing body armor at the time of the incident.
Sergeant Baker is survived by his wife, two daughters, and a son who is also an officer with the Santa Cruz Police Department.
Detective Elizabeth Butler, 38
Santa Cruz California Police Department
February 26, 2013 – Detective Elizabeth Butler was shot and killed while she and Sergeant Loran Baker were approaching a residence as part of a follow-up investigation into a sexual assault case. The suspect in the case opened the door to the residence and began firing at the officers, striking and killing both. He then stole their service weapons and fled, but was killed during a shootout with other officers. The suspect was wearing body armor at the time of the incident.
Detective Butler is survived by her two children and boyfriend.
Sergeant Gary Morales, 34
St. Lucie County Florida Sheriff’s Office
February 28, 2013 – Sergeant Gary Morales was shot and killed while conducting a traffic stop. During the stop,the suspect got out of his car and began firing at Officer Morales as he sat inside his patrol car.
Sergeant Morales is survived by his wife and twin children.
