Santa Cruz Police remember Sgt. Baker and Detective Butler on the 10th anniversary of their deaths

SANTA CRUZ, CA (KION-TV). Sunday afternoon, locals and the Santa Cruz police remembered two Santa Cruz police officers who were shot dead on February 26, 2013.

Sergeant Butch Baker and Detective Elizabeth Butler were remembered at exactly 3:23 p.m. This time notes that both officers were killed in the line of duty.

The community and police department gathered at the Baker-Butler Memorial Garden, which is located near the police station. Rain fell to the ground as the guard of honor lowered the flags to half mast. Everyone present lowered their heads to think for a moment. The Santa Cruz Fire Department and the Santa Cruz Harbor Patrol also attended the ceremony to honor the fallen officers.

Santa Cruz Police Chief Bernie Escalante worked with Sgt. Baker and Detective Baker. He said the day represents a time for the community to reflect and remember their heritage.

“This gives us an opportunity to honor Elizabeth and Butch for sacrificing themselves,” Escalante said. “Gives us a chance to reflect and reflect on the memories of working with both of them.”

Baker and Butler were approaching a sexual assault suspect when the suspect opened fire.

The suspect, 35-year-old Jeremy Goulet, was later killed in a shootout after he returned to the scene of the crime and began shooting at four other officers.

They remain the only two officers killed in the history of the Santa Cruz Police Department.

Escalante fondly recalls his time with both officers. He will never forget working the night shift with the sergeant. Baker.

“I always remember how we laughed at three and four in the morning,” Escalante said. “There is a lot of food from the hood of our car, there were a lot of good memories.”

As the cops at the Santa Cruz Police Department get younger and younger, Escalante wants them to never forget the traits that made the sergeant. Baker and Detective Butler, the department’s favorite.

“They both worked tirelessly to hold people accountable.” Escalante said. “And I think probably their work ethic would be the most important thing we want people to learn from them.“