John Baker Obituary, Death – Former Pembroke Pines Police Sergeant Dies Alongside Wife Joanne

The Pembroke Pines community is mourning the deaths of John Baker, 62, and his wife, Joanne Baker, 59, after the couple was found unresponsive at a home in Pembroke Pines.

Authorities said police officers and paramedics responded to a 911 call Monday morning in the 8300 block of Pine Drive. John and Joanne were pronounced dead at the scene.

According to the preliminary investigation, authorities believe Joanne fatally shot John before taking her own life. The circumstances remain under investigation, and the Broward County Medical Examiner’s Office is expected to determine the official causes and manners of death.

Remembering John Baker

John Baker was a longtime member of the Pembroke Pines Police Department who devoted nearly three decades to public service. He joined the department in 1994 and spent almost 28 years working as an officer and sergeant.

During his career, Baker became a founding member of the department’s Crisis Response Team. He was also involved with community organizations and causes, including Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the Special Olympics Torch Run, and Special Compass, a local nonprofit supporting children and families living with disabilities.

Baker’s career was marked by a major personal challenge in 2019, when he was seriously injured in a motorcycle crash while on duty. The injuries affected his speech and movement, beginning a difficult recovery process.

Despite the lasting effects of the crash, the department said Baker regained limited motor skills and continued to be known for his positive and joyful personality.

The department also remembered Baker as a devoted father of three who valued time with his family. Outside of law enforcement, he enjoyed traveling and music and often attended concerts with his loved ones.

“Even with the challenges he faced from his work-related injury, his joyful and positive personality always persisted,” the Pembroke Pines Police Department said in a statement.

Joanne Baker Remembered

Joanne Baker also leaves behind family, friends, and others who knew her throughout her life. Her death, together with the loss of her husband, has brought profound grief to those closest to the couple.

While investigators continue working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the deaths, family and friends are left remembering John and Joanne beyond the events that brought about their deaths.

John’s nearly three decades of police service made him a familiar figure within the Pembroke Pines community and the law-enforcement family. His colleagues and community members are now reflecting on his years of service, his perseverance following his 2019 injury, and his dedication to his family.

The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information may be released as authorities complete their work.

The Baker family’s children, relatives, friends, former colleagues, and others affected by the tragedy are now facing an immeasurable loss as they remember John and Joanne and the lives they shared.