Framingham Police Department: Lester Baker

Baker Appointed as Framingham's New Chief of Police November 5, 2020

Susan Petroni, Framingham Source Editor 508-315-7176 Framingham Source

The following is a press release from the City of Framingham
***
Framingham - Mayor Yvonne M. Spicer is pleased to announce that she has appointed Lester Baker, a veteran member of the Framingham Police Department, as the Department's eighth Police Chief. Before being named Police Chief, Baker served as the Deputy Chief in charge of operations since He was a Lieutenant 2014-2018, Sergeant 2008-2014, and Patrolman 2003-2008. Baker transferred from the Lexington, Police Department as a patrolman in 2003 where he had worked since 1996.
"Deputy Chief Baker exemplifies character, integrity, and strong leadership," said Mayor Spicer. "His strong knowledge and experience with the Framingham Police Department will serve as an asset, as he continues to build a police department that reflects our community and values."
"I am truly humbled and honored to be chosen as your Police Chief, and I want to thank the residents of this community for their support throughout my career. I look forward to my sustained service to you," said Lester Baker. "To the men and women of the Framingham Police Department, I look forward to our continued positive work together. I am committed to leading by example, and together we will provide the residents of Framingham with professional police service."
This appointment is subject to review and approval by the City Council under Article II, Section 10 of the Charter.
While the appointment will be a 3-year term, the effective dates are dependent upon when the City Council takes action and will be set forth in a formal appointment document in the near future.
Baker has a Bachelor's Degree in Law Enforcement from Western New England University and is currently enrolled in the Master's degree program in Public Administration at Framingham State University.

Lester Baker Picked As New Framingham Police Chief
November 5, 2020

Neal McNamara Framingham Patch

FRAMINGHAM, MA - Mayor Yvonne Spicer has picked Framingham Deputy Chief Lester Baker to take over as the new chief of police, the city announced Thursday. He will be the first Black police chief ever in Framingham.
Baker, 47, has been with Framingham police since 2003, and began his police career in Lexington in 1996. As the deputy chief of operations, he oversaw the dispatch center, investigations, police substations and special units, like school resource officers.
"Deputy Chief Baker exemplifies character, integrity, and strong leadership," Spicer said in a statement Thursday. "His strong knowledge and experience with the Framingham Police Department will serve as an asset, as he continues to build a police department that reflects our community and values."
Baker's appointment is subject to City Council approval, and will be for a three-year term.
"To the men and women of the Framingham Police Department, I look forward to our continued positive work together," Baker said in a statement. "I am committed to leading by example, and together we will provide the residents of Framingham with professional police service."
Baker was one of two finalists picked by Spicer. The other candidate, Baltimore police Maj. James Rhoden Jr., had also recently been chosen to be chief in Milford, but he turned down the offer.
Former chief Steven Trask retired in June amid nationwide protests over the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Trask's retirement was planned, and not a reaction to the protests, officials have said. Deputy Chief Ronald Brandolini took over for Trask in the interim months.
During his time as interim chief, Brandolini completed the department's adoption of the "8 Can't Wait" platform, which means policy changes like requiring deescalation before using force, a ban on choke and strangleholds and a duty to intervene if a person's life is in danger.

Veteran of the Framingham Police Department, Lester Baker, chosen by Spicer as next Framingham police chief November 5, 2020

Jeanette Hinkle Metrowest Daily News

The City Council now has the opportunity to veto Spicer's selection with a two-thirds vote, support the selection with a favorable vote, or take no action, which would amount to a council approval of Baker's nomination, according to City Council Chairman George King.
Framingham Mayor Yvonne Spicer has tapped Lester Baker, a veteran Framingham police officer, to serve as the city's newest police chief.
The City Council now has the opportunity to veto Spicer's selection with a two-thirds vote, support the selection with a favorable vote, or take no action, which would amount to a council approval of Baker's nomination, according to City Council Chairman George King.
Baker currently serves as the Framingham Police Department's deputy chief, a role he's held since 2018. Before that, he worked in the department as a lieutenant, sergeant and patrolman.
Mayor Spicer poise to nominate next police chief for Framingham. Here is what is next for the candidates for the job.
"Deputy Chief Baker exemplifies character, integrity, and strong leadership," Spicer said in a Thursday press release announcing Baker's nomination. "His strong knowledge and experience with the Framingham Police Department will serve as an asset, as he continues to build a police department that reflects our community and values."
Baker said he was humbled and honored to receive Spicer's nomination, and thanked Framingham residents for their support throughout his career in the city.
"I look forward to my sustained service to you," Baker said in the press release.
"To the men and women of the Framingham Police Department, I look forward to our continued positive work together," he added. "I am committed to leading by example, and together we will provide the residents of Framingham with professional police service."
If approved as chief by the City Council, Baker will serve a three-year term as chief.
Baker was one of two finalists chosen from the 21 people who had applied to replace Chief Steven Trask, who retired in June. Deputy Police Chief Ron Brandolini has been acting as chief since then. He did not apply for the chief's job.
Baker beat out Baltimore Police Major James Rhoden, the other finalist for the chief's job, to claim Spicer's nomination.

Next police chief for Framingham department reacts to his nomination. Baker's appointment can be rejected by the City Council. November 5, 2020

Jeanette Hinkle Metrowest Daily News

The City Council now has the opportunity to veto Spicer's selection with a two-thirds vote, support the selection with a favorable vote, or take no action, which would amount to a council approval of Baker's nomination, according to City Council Chairman George King.
FRAMINGHAM - Mayor Yvonne Spicer has nominated Lester Baker, a veteran Framingham police officer, to serve as the city's next police chief.
The City Council now has the opportunity to veto Spicer's selection with a two-thirds vote, support the selection with a favorable vote, or take no action, which would amount to a council approval of Baker's nomination, according to City Council Chairman George King.
Baker currently serves as deputy chief, a role he's held since 2018. Before that, he worked in the department as a lieutenant, sergeant and patrolman.
As chief, pending the approval of the City Council, Baker said he wants to go out to visit the various neighborhoods throughout the city and speak to people.
"I want to get out and speak to everyone across the city," said Baker. "There are all types of things new chiefs want to do but I want to hear from the community. I want to hear what they want us to do. They are the ones we serve. That's the first order of business, speaking to the communities and see what their concerns are."
Baker said, throughout his career as an officer, he has liked to work with children, such as various reading programs. He said it is important to keep those relationships strong so young people can see officers in a positive light and not automatically associate seeing a police uniform as something negative.
Baker would be the department's first African American police chief (he was the second African American lieutenant). He said he hopes that it can help break "walls down" for some people who have a negative perception of police.
"If that helps take down some sort of barrier, I'm glad," said Baker. "If you can see someone who looks like you, maybe they'll let the walls down. My goal is to make everyone comfortable enough to come forward to us."
Baker said he wants to make sure the Framingham Police Department is in front of and involved in "positive" police reforms that will be coming it the future. Want news like this sent straight to your inbox? Head over to MetroWestDailyNews.com to sign up for alerts and make sure you never miss a thing. You pick the news you want, we deliver.
After working with so many of the current officers for so long, Baker said he will sit down and evaluate the department's strengths and any overlapping duties between departments to help make the department run smoother.
"I'm fortunate enough that I came through the ranks," said Baker. "I've not been in every unit, but I've held every position. I want to see where we can reallocate some resources and work on being preventative and stopping things before they happen."
Spicer said Baker exemplified all of the qualities a police chief needed.
"Deputy Chief Baker exemplifies character, integrity, and strong leadership," Spicer said in a Thursday press release announcing Baker's nomination. "His strong knowledge and experience with the Framingham Police Department will serve as an asset, as he continues to build a police department that reflects our community and values."
Baker said he was humbled and honored to receive Spicer's nomination, and thanked Framingham residents for their support throughout his career in the city.
"I look forward to my sustained service to you," Baker said in the press release.
"To the men and women of the Framingham Police Department, I look forward to our continued positive work together," he added. "I am committed to leading by example, and together we will provide the residents of Framingham with professional police service."
Baker was one of two finalists chosen from the 21 people who had applied to replace Chief Steven Trask, who retired in June. Deputy Police Chief Ron Brandolini has been acting as chief since then. He did not apply for the chief's job.
Baker edged Baltimore Police Major James Rhoden, the other finalist for the chief's job, to claim Spicer's nomination.
In a statement, the Framingham Police Officers Union said it was happy with Baker's selection.
"The FPOU leadership is pleased to see this well-deserved promotion. Now more than ever, the Framingham Police Department needs consistency and communication from its command staff. Chief Baker is someone who has earned great respect and trust both internally among our officers, and publicly within the Framingham community. We have a very young department, which can be a great asset under the right leadership, and we are confident that Chief Baker is fit to guide us through the evolution of the department that is already underway."

Baker Appointed as Framingham's New Chief of Police	November 5, 2020
Susan Petroni, Framingham Source Editor 508-315-7176	Framingham Source
The following is a press release from the City of Framingham *** Framingham - Mayor Yvonne M. Spicer is pleased to announce that she has appointed Lester Baker, a veteran member of the Framingham Police Department, as the Department's eighth Police Chief. Before being named Police Chief, Baker served as the Deputy Chief in charge of operations since He was a Lieutenant 2014-2018, Sergeant 2008-2014, and Patrolman 2003-2008. Baker transferred from the Lexington, Police Department as a patrolman in 2003 where he had worked since 1996. "Deputy Chief Baker exemplifies character, integrity, and strong leadership," said Mayor Spicer. "His strong knowledge and experience with the Framingham Police Department will serve as an asset, as he continues to build a police department that reflects our community and values." "I am truly humbled and honored to be chosen as your Police Chief, and I want to thank the residents of this community for their support throughout my career. I look forward to my sustained service to you," said Lester Baker. "To the men and women of the Framingham Police Department, I look forward to our continued positive work together. I am committed to leading by example, and together we will provide the residents of Framingham with professional police service." This appointment is subject to review and approval by the City Council under Article II, Section 10 of the Charter. While the appointment will be a 3-year term, the effective dates are dependent upon when the City Council takes action and will be set forth in a formal appointment document in the near future. Baker has a Bachelor's Degree in Law Enforcement from Western New England University and is currently enrolled in the Master's degree program in Public Administration at Framingham State University. Lester Baker Picked As New Framingham Police Chief	November 5, 2020
Neal McNamara	Framingham Patch
FRAMINGHAM, MA - Mayor Yvonne Spicer has picked Framingham Deputy Chief Lester Baker to take over as the new chief of police, the city announced Thursday. He will be the first Black police chief ever in Framingham. Baker, 47, has been with Framingham police since 2003, and began his police career in Lexington in 1996. As the deputy chief of operations, he oversaw the dispatch center, investigations, police substations and special units, like school resource officers. "Deputy Chief Baker exemplifies character, integrity, and strong leadership," Spicer said in a statement Thursday. "His strong knowledge and experience with the Framingham Police Department will serve as an asset, as he continues to build a police department that reflects our community and values." Baker's appointment is subject to City Council approval, and will be for a three-year term. "To the men and women of the Framingham Police Department, I look forward to our continued positive work together," Baker said in a statement. "I am committed to leading by example, and together we will provide the residents of Framingham with professional police service." Baker was one of two finalists picked by Spicer. The other candidate, Baltimore police Maj. James Rhoden Jr., had also recently been chosen to be chief in Milford, but he turned down the offer. Former chief Steven Trask retired in June amid nationwide protests over the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Trask's retirement was planned, and not a reaction to the protests, officials have said. Deputy Chief Ronald Brandolini took over for Trask in the interim months. During his time as interim chief, Brandolini completed the department's adoption of the "8 Can't Wait" platform, which means policy changes like requiring deescalation before using force, a ban on choke and strangleholds and a duty to intervene if a person's life is in danger.
Veteran of the Framingham Police Department, Lester Baker, chosen by Spicer as next Framingham police chief	November 5, 2020
Jeanette Hinkle	Metrowest Daily News
The City Council now has the opportunity to veto Spicer's selection with a two-thirds vote, support the selection with a favorable vote, or take no action, which would amount to a council approval of Baker's nomination, according to City Council Chairman George King. Framingham Mayor Yvonne Spicer has tapped Lester Baker, a veteran Framingham police officer, to serve as the city's newest police chief. The City Council now has the opportunity to veto Spicer's selection with a two-thirds vote, support the selection with a favorable vote, or take no action, which would amount to a council approval of Baker's nomination, according to City Council Chairman George King. Baker currently serves as the Framingham Police Department's deputy chief, a role he's held since 2018. Before that, he worked in the department as a lieutenant, sergeant and patrolman. Mayor Spicer poise to nominate next police chief for Framingham. Here is what is next for the candidates for the job. "Deputy Chief Baker exemplifies character, integrity, and strong leadership," Spicer said in a Thursday press release announcing Baker's nomination. "His strong knowledge and experience with the Framingham Police Department will serve as an asset, as he continues to build a police department that reflects our community and values." Baker said he was humbled and honored to receive Spicer's nomination, and thanked Framingham residents for their support throughout his career in the city. "I look forward to my sustained service to you," Baker said in the press release. "To the men and women of the Framingham Police Department, I look forward to our continued positive work together," he added. "I am committed to leading by example, and together we will provide the residents of Framingham with professional police service." If approved as chief by the City Council, Baker will serve a three-year term as chief. Baker was one of two finalists chosen from the 21 people who had applied to replace Chief Steven Trask, who retired in June. Deputy Police Chief Ron Brandolini has been acting as chief since then. He did not apply for the chief's job. Baker beat out Baltimore Police Major James Rhoden, the other finalist for the chief's job, to claim Spicer's nomination.
Next police chief for Framingham department reacts to his nomination. Baker's appointment can be rejected by the City Council.	November 5, 2020
Jeanette Hinkle	Metrowest Daily News
The City Council now has the opportunity to veto Spicer's selection with a two-thirds vote, support the selection with a favorable vote, or take no action, which would amount to a council approval of Baker's nomination, according to City Council Chairman George King. FRAMINGHAM - Mayor Yvonne Spicer has nominated Lester Baker, a veteran Framingham police officer, to serve as the city's next police chief. The City Council now has the opportunity to veto Spicer's selection with a two-thirds vote, support the selection with a favorable vote, or take no action, which would amount to a council approval of Baker's nomination, according to City Council Chairman George King. Baker currently serves as deputy chief, a role he's held since 2018. Before that, he worked in the department as a lieutenant, sergeant and patrolman. As chief, pending the approval of the City Council, Baker said he wants to go out to visit the various neighborhoods throughout the city and speak to people. "I want to get out and speak to everyone across the city," said Baker. "There are all types of things new chiefs want to do but I want to hear from the community. I want to hear what they want us to do. They are the ones we serve. That's the first order of business, speaking to the communities and see what their concerns are." Baker said, throughout his career as an officer, he has liked to work with children, such as various reading programs. He said it is important to keep those relationships strong so young people can see officers in a positive light and not automatically associate seeing a police uniform as something negative. Baker would be the department's first African American police chief (he was the second African American lieutenant). He said he hopes that it can help break "walls down" for some people who have a negative perception of police. "If that helps take down some sort of barrier, I'm glad," said Baker. "If you can see someone who looks like you, maybe they'll let the walls down. My goal is to make everyone comfortable enough to come forward to us." Baker said he wants to make sure the Framingham Police Department is in front of and involved in "positive" police reforms that will be coming it the future. Want news like this sent straight to your inbox? Head over to MetroWestDailyNews.com to sign up for alerts and make sure you never miss a thing. You pick the news you want, we deliver. After working with so many of the current officers for so long, Baker said he will sit down and evaluate the department's strengths and any overlapping duties between departments to help make the department run smoother. "I'm fortunate enough that I came through the ranks," said Baker. "I've not been in every unit, but I've held every position. I want to see where we can reallocate some resources and work on being preventative and stopping things before they happen." Spicer said Baker exemplified all of the qualities a police chief needed. "Deputy Chief Baker exemplifies character, integrity, and strong leadership," Spicer said in a Thursday press release announcing Baker's nomination. "His strong knowledge and experience with the Framingham Police Department will serve as an asset, as he continues to build a police department that reflects our community and values." Baker said he was humbled and honored to receive Spicer's nomination, and thanked Framingham residents for their support throughout his career in the city. "I look forward to my sustained service to you," Baker said in the press release. "To the men and women of the Framingham Police Department, I look forward to our continued positive work together," he added. "I am committed to leading by example, and together we will provide the residents of Framingham with professional police service." Baker was one of two finalists chosen from the 21 people who had applied to replace Chief Steven Trask, who retired in June. Deputy Police Chief Ron Brandolini has been acting as chief since then. He did not apply for the chief's job. Baker edged Baltimore Police Major James Rhoden, the other finalist for the chief's job, to claim Spicer's nomination. In a statement, the Framingham Police Officers Union said it was happy with Baker's selection. "The FPOU leadership is pleased to see this well-deserved promotion. Now more than ever, the Framingham Police Department needs consistency and communication from its command staff. Chief Baker is someone who has earned great respect and trust both internally among our officers, and publicly within the Framingham community. We have a very young department, which can be a great asset under the right leadership, and we are confident that Chief Baker is fit to guide us through the evolution of the department that is already underway."

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