Washington, DC – Congressman Sam Farr (D-Carmel) today called for a moment of silence on the floor of the House of Representatives for Sergeant Loran “Butch” Baker and Detective Elizabeth Butler of the Santa Cruz Police Department. The two officers were tragically killed in the line of duty last week in Santa Cruz:
“Mr. Speaker, every day, police officers place themselves in harm’s way to protect our communities. It is that unselfish act that separates them from ordinary citizens. Through their willingness to serve, our brave police men and women represent the best of our country.
“Sadly, two weeks ago, two fine officers, Sergeant Loran ‘Butch’ Baker and Detective Elizabeth Butler, were killed in the line of duty in the small town of Santa Cruz, California. Sergeant Baker and Detective Butler are the first officers to be killed in the line of duty in the city’s 137 year history.
“Our prayers and sympathies are with the families and loved ones of these officers and I would like the House to take a brief moment of silence in their memory. Sergeant Baker leaves behind a wife, two daughters and a son, who is a community service officer with the Santa Cruz Police Department. Detective Butler leaves behind her partner and two young sons.
“This is a horrible tragedy, and I join with the residents of the Central Coast, to mourn this loss and to pay our respects to these two fallen heroes. A moment of silence, thank you.”