Longtime Livingston Police Officer Dies, Community Mourns His Passing

LIVINGSTON, NJ — The Livingston community is mourning for a longtime police officer who died this week: Brian Baker.

The Livingston Police Department issued a statement about his passing on Sunday.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the untimely passing of Livingston Police Officer Brian T. Baker,” the LPD wrote. “The mayor, township council, Livingston Police Department and entire municipal family mourn this loss and extend our deepest condolences to Officer Baker’s family and loved ones.”

“We ask the entire community to join us in remembering Officer Baker and praying for his family in this most difficult time,” police continued.

Baker served the Township of Livingston for nearly 14 years with honor and an unwavering commitment to protecting the community, police said.

Livingston PBA Local #263 posted a message of mourning on social media in the wake of Baker's passing:

“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the untimely passing of one of our own from the Livingston Police Department, Officer Brian T. Baker. Brian dedicated nearly 20 years of his life to law enforcement, beginning his career with the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office before joining Livingston Police Department in 2012. He was not only a trusted Officer, but a respected colleague and friend whose presence made our law-enforcement family stronger. Brian was a great man. Brian served this community with integrity, compassion, and unwavering commitment. His loss is felt not only within the Department, but across the entire Township that he protected so faithfully. We stand together as a family in law enforcement, honoring a colleague whose dedication, courage, and quiet acts of service touched countless lives. Brian is survived by his loving wife and two loving children. To Brian’s family, friends, loved ones, you will always have a family in the Livingston Police Department and we extend our deepest condolences. His legacy of service and kindness will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Brother. We will take it from here.”

New Jersey Assemblywoman Rosy Bagolie wrote that the community is “heartbroken.”

“Officer Baker served with unwavering dedication, professionalism, and quiet courage, protecting our residents and embodying the very best of public service,” Bagolie said, offering condolences to his family, peers and loved ones.

“May Patrolman Brian Baker’s memory be a blessing, and may we honor his life through our continued gratitude for all who serve and protect our communities with such courage and selflessness,” Bagolie said.

Baker’s death was briefly discussed during a news conference held by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office on Monday.

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