Chattanooga Police Sergeant John A. Baker made his final pitch for his faith to his fellow police officers on Dec. 15 — the day of his funeral.
During his funeral at Grace Baptist Church, a tape was played of a Sept. 27 speech Baker delivered to some 250 officers at the Country Place Restaurant.
Baker knew he had a cancer “death sentence,” and the message he delivered at the restaurant resulted in 29 police officers accepting Jesus Christ.
Paul Lee, a sergeant in the Chattanooga Police Dept. and Baker’s friend, said Baker “has successfully accomplished his last mission. He has accepted his transfer. He is now pounding his new beat on the streets of gold.”
Hundreds of officers gathered at the church for the emotional rites also heard tapes of hymns sung by the officer.
Baker died Dec. 12 after a short bout with cancer in the pancreas and liver. The 36-year-old Southern Baptist police officer is survived by his wife, Zina, and two small sons.
Lee told of how he had met with Baker on the funeral plans. He said Baker had not wanted his family to have to deal with it. “He was always putting others before himself.”
Lee said the officer known as “Gabby” to his co-workers “loved his job and loved his fellow officers.” Lee said Baker would pray for each of the patrol officers by name.
He said Baker “loved to laugh and he loved a well-placed practical joke.
“But his ultimate mission was to tell others about his commitment to Jesus Christ,” Lee said.
Chattanooga Police Chief Jimmie Dotson said Baker “had a great work ethic and attitude, but he will best be remembered as being true and honest to God’s calling.”
Dotson recalled Baker’s mission trip to Romania where he helped form an international chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers.
“But his greatest concern was for you” — that his fellow officers would join him in heaven, Dotson said.
Dotson said Baker “refused to take any medication. He said he wanted to remain alert so God could use every ounce of him every moment he had left on earth.”
The chief asked ministers and chaplains in the office to stand, and he urged officers to speak with them after the funeral.
He said, “If you want to be with John, spend some time with them before you leave today.”
Chief Dotson put on his cap and saluted the casket. He said, “John, enjoy your new assignment.”
Then the tape was played of the Country Place speech, in which Baker said, “I can stand up here and be happy because I know where I’m headed.
“I love you guys too much to let you go to hell on my watch,” Baker said on the tape.
The tape concluded with Baker singing, “It Is Well with My Soul.”
“There were a lot of tears,” said officer John Stuermer. “It was a very powerful moment.”
(BP)
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