Remembering Sgt. Loran “Butch” Baker and Det. Elizabeth Butler

Three years ago, Sergeant Loran “Butch” Baker and Detective Elizabeth Butler from the Santa Cruz Police Department made the ultimate sacrifice.

At 3:23 p.m. Friday, the exact time they were fatally shot in the line of duty, the police department will gather at the Baker-Butler Memorial Garden in front of the department for a memorial.

Sergeant Baker was a father, a husband, and a friend. Detective Butler was a mother, a partner, and a mentor.

Following the tragedy in 2013, the Santa Cruz community stepped up to show their support. That support continues today. In honor of Detective Butler’s love for the “Morning Buns” at Kelly’s French Bakery, the owners have delivered 100 “Morning Buns” to the police department every Wednesday.This is one of the many ways the community has showed their support.