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Chaplain retires from Tennessee Highway Patrol

Chaplain retires from Tennessee Highway Patrol

Posted: Thursday, November 29, 2012 6:00 pm

The Messenger, November 29, 2012
Tennessee Highway Patrol chaplain Doug Baker (left) was recently congratulated by THP Sgt. Don Velez, who works in the THP’s Memphis district.
Baker was  retiring after 14 years of dedicated service. He  resigned in October from his position as chaplain of the THP Memphis District, which extends along the entire western edge of Tennessee and includes Obion County.
The public may not be aware the THP has a chaplaincy program, but the voluntary members provide considerable support to troopers, including assisting them with next of kin notification for victims of traffic crashes. They also provide valuable counseling services to members of the department and their families.
Chaplains may also be required to perform special duties in times of civil disorder, storms and other disasters when called upon.
A THP spokesman said Baker, a native of Halls and a longtime resident of Bolivar, juggled other pastoral duties to join troopers on their shifts, regardless of the hours, and dedicated himself to the service of troopers throughout the district.
He frequently traveled great distances to be present at funerals and other functions.
“Doug was always available for us and took a tremendous interest in the highway patrol,” THP Capt. Joel Deal said in expressing his appreciation to Baker.