Today, we pause with heavy hearts to remember John Baker, 62, a retired Pembroke Pines police sergeant whose life of service came to a tragic end Monday morning.
According to the Broward Sheriff's Office, Pembroke Pines police officers and fire department paramedics responded to a residence in the 8300 block of Pine Drive at approximately 7:12 a.m. on September 21 after receiving a 911 call regarding two people found unresponsive.
Emergency crews discovered John Baker and his wife, Joanne Baker, both deceased inside the home. The Broward Sheriff's Office Homicide and Crime Scene units were called in to conduct the death investigation.
The preliminary investigation found that Joanne shot and killed John before turning the gun on herself, authorities said. The Broward County Medical Examiner's Office will determine the official cause and manner of death, and the investigation remains ongoing.
John Baker dedicated nearly 28 years to the Pembroke Pines Police Department after joining the agency in 1994. During his career, he served as a road patrol officer, field training officer, master patrol officer, public information officer, traffic homicide investigator and Traffic Unit sergeant.
He was also a founding member of the department's Crisis Response Team, which was created to assist first responders during times of tragedy. Baker was passionate about traffic safety and regularly worked with Mothers Against Drunk Driving, including volunteering at MADD events.
In August 2019, Baker suffered critical injuries in an on-duty motorcycle crash after another vehicle turned into his path. According to the police department, the injuries affected his speech and movement, but he later regained limited motor skills with the support of his family and medical team. He remained active in the community, participating in charity races and the Special Olympics Torch Run.
Beyond his career, Baker was remembered by the department as a dedicated father of three who enjoyed traveling and music and often attended concerts with his family.
His death has left his children, family, friends, former colleagues and members of the Pembroke Pines community mourning a man who spent decades serving others.
As the investigation continues, John Baker's nearly three decades of service remain an important part of the legacy he leaves behind.
