The following is a statement issued today from Mayor Charles Meeker on the passing of Sheriff John Baker:

“Wake County has been the recipient of many, many blessings; none more significant than John Baker.  He was a native son that never forgot his roots.  He loved his hometown and its people. While he was a most professional law enforcement officer, his compassion for the underprivileged assured that he saw each person as an individual, worthy of respect and dignity.  The Sheriff John Baker High School was a testament to this compassion and caring for the young who have higher hurdles to clear.  Sheriff Baker also was a leader in the Wake County Democratic Party, helping so many valued leaders to get elected to offices where they could make a difference to improve all of our lives forever.  His passing is a loss for us all.  On behalf of the citizens of Raleigh, I offer condolences to his family. May they know peace.”