Members LoginThe State Troopers PBA is happy to share the news that Trooper Donald Baker Jr., who was shot on Aug. 31 and has been hospitalized in Erie, Pa. since then, is expected to be flown to Albany Medical Center Hospital today to be closer to home.
Trooper Baker and Trooper Joseph Longobardo were shot during a manhunt for escaped convict and suspected Trooper shooter Ralph Phillips. Phillips is also suspected of shooting Troopers Baker and Longobardo. Trooper Longobardo died from his injuries three days after being shot, and Trooper Baker has been hospitalized since being shot.
Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with both families. We support Trooper Baker in his recovery and wish him well.
Below is an article from the Times Union newspaper about Trooper Baker’s return to the area.
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Wounded trooper flying home Donald Baker Jr., who was shot allegedly by "Bucky" Phillips, to continue recuperation |
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First published: Wednesday, November 8, 2006 |
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State Trooper Donald Baker Jr., who suffered a nearly fatal gunshot wound in the hunt for fugitive Ralph "Bucky" Phillips, is scheduled to return to the Capital Region today, State Police said. Baker, of Halfmoon, will be flown to Albany Medical Center from Hamot Medical Center in Erie, Pa., to continue physical therapy for injuries stemming from being shot Aug. 31. Police believe Phillips was the shooter. The 38-year-old trooper worked out of the Clifton Park barracks but had been dispatched to western New York with the State Police Mobile Response Team to find Phillips, a prison escapee who allegedly had shot a state trooper. He and Trooper Joseph Longobardo of Greenfield were shot by a sniper outside the home of Phillips’ former girlfriend. Longobardo, 32, was hit in the leg and died Sept. 3. Baker and his family are expected to issue a statement today. |