HOUSE RESOLUTION 20

(By Delegate Hanshaw (Mr. Speaker))

On behalf of the entire membership

March 11, 2023

Supporting the Medal of Valor nomination of Deputy Thomas E. Baker, III, a Deputy with the Nicholas County Sheriff’s Department the West Virginia Medal of Valor.

Whereas, The Medal of Valor is awarded to firefighters, law-enforcement officers, and emergency medical services personnel who distinguish themselves conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of their lives above and beyond the call of duty in the performance of their duties; and

Whereas, The First Responders Honor Board has submitted to the Speaker of the House of Delegates the following nominee for the Legislature’s consideration: Deputy Thomas E. Baker, III of the Nicholas County Sheriff’s Department; and

Whereas, Deputy Thomas Edward Baker, III was a 1991 graduate of Nicholas County High School. He attended Concord College and graduated from the West Virginia Police Training Academy in 1997; and

Whereas, Deputy Baker was active in his community serving as a school resource officer and as a deacon at Restoration Fellowship Church in Mt. Nebo; and

Whereas, Deputy Baker dedicated his life to law enforcement and the service of his community, serving a total of nineteen years for several departments including the Cowen Police Department, Summersville Police Department, Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department, the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Nicholas County Sheriff’s Department; and

Whereas, Thomas E. Baker, III was a deeply devoted family man and always endeavored to remain true to family values of the highest order. He enjoyed a loving marriage to his best friend and partner Jamie Lou Baker and had four children who were a source of tremendous pride; and

Whereas, on June 3, 2022, Deputy Baker was fatally injured in the line of duty, making the ultimate sacrifice in his lifelong dedication to protect and serve his community of West Virginia; and

Whereas, Deputy Baker’s bravery in the face of great danger and his willingness to lay down his life for the people of West Virginia deserve the utmost respect; and

Whereas, Deputy Thomas E. Baker, III leaves behind an indelible legacy of integrity and character and he shall forever be remembered as an exceptional public servant who embodied compassion, service, and commitment to faithfully fulfilling his duty; and

Whereas, The House of Delegates is honored to support the nomination of deserving heroes for the Medal of Valor and is eternally grateful for their service and sacrifice; therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Delegates:

That the Legislature hereby supports the nomination of Deputy Thomas E. Baker, III for the award of the Medal of Valor as recommended by the First Responders Honor Board; and, be it

Further Resolved, that the Governor shall bestow the Medal of Valor upon Deputy Thomas E. Baker, III, posthumously, upon adoption of this resolution; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House shall forward a copy of this resolution to the surviving family of Deputy Thomas E. Baker, III.