Members of the community stood silently along College Street in downtown Dickson on Monday morning as a police motorcade escorted the body of Sgt. Daniel Baker from Taylor Funeral Home to First Baptist Church Dickson for his visitation and funeral.
Baker, a 10-year veteran with the Dickson County Sheriff's Office, was killed May 30 in the line of duty. The former Marine was married with a young daughter.
Steven Wiggins is accused of killing Baker, who had responded to a suspicious vehicle call Wednesday morning in Dickson. Wiggins is being held without bond.
Former Dickson County volunteer fireman Drew Looney and his wife Samantha brought their three children to College Street on Monday morning.
"It's important for the community to honor this man, and for us to teach our children to respect and show honor to our veterans and officers," said Looney, who gave each child an American flag to hold as the motorcade passed.
Baker, who wore badge number 95, is described by friends as a “hero among men” and “a man born for public service.”
“He was definitely a hero," Looney said. "He chose to be a police officer and protect strangers." Looney said Sgt. Baker's death hits close to home because they are the same age and both with young families.
Shondra Simon felt the same way.
“We’re here to show respect to an officer who put his life on the line for us every day, to show respect for the other officers that do the same, and to show our love and support for (Daniel Baker's wife) Lisa and the family,” explained Simon.
Simon stood along Highway 70 with her son Parker Bingham as the hearse carrying Baker’s body drove past. She knew Baker through friends, and described him as “a fun, energetic, very kind man who loved to fish a whole lot.” Her son Parker, who also knew Baker, quietly added, “And he was humble, too.”
Baker was very involved with the children in the community as a law enforcement officer, Simon said. “They (the children) all clung to him,” she said.
The first of two public visitations for Baker will be held at First Baptist Church, 2501 Highway 70 in Dickson today from 2 to 8 p.m.
A second visitation will be held Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the 1 p.m. funeral service at First Baptist Church.
Baker will be laid to rest at Dickson County Memorial Gardens.