Gainesville Honors Officer Scott Baird 25 Years After His Death

Community gathers to remember the young officer killed in the line of duty in 2001.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Twenty-five years after the death of Gainesville Police Officer Scott Baird, the community came together to honor his memory and legacy. Baird, 23, was killed in 2001 while attempting to clear a large batting cage from the roadway when he was struck by a teenage driver. To mark the milestone anniversary, Baird's family and friends organized a vigil, bike ride, and other events to remember the officer's life and lasting impact on the community.

Why it matters

Officer Baird's death was a tragic loss for the Gainesville community, and the continued remembrance of his sacrifice highlights the importance of honoring those who serve and protect. The events also raise awareness about the dangers that officers can face on the job, even from seemingly innocuous obstacles left in the road.

The details

During the vigil, Baird's close friend and former colleague Jeff Blundell spoke fondly of the officer's character and charisma, describing him as a "happy, fun, loving guy" who "lit up a room." Baird's mother, Kelly, also participated in the vigil, drawing inspiration from her son's dedication to service by becoming a police officer herself. City leaders, including the police chief and mayor, offered words of remembrance to the gathered crowd.

  • Officer Baird died in 2001 while on duty.
  • The 25th anniversary of Baird's death was commemorated in 2026.

The players

Scott Baird

A 23-year-old Gainesville Police Officer who was killed in the line of duty in 2001.

Jeff Blundell

A close friend and former colleague of Officer Baird who spoke at the vigil.

Kelly Baird

Officer Baird's mother, who became a police officer herself after her son's death.

Ed Book

A Gainesville city commissioner who attended the vigil.

Harvey Ward

The mayor of Gainesville who attended the vigil.

Nelson Moya

The Gainesville Police Chief who attended the vigil.

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What they’re saying

“I would like to think that people want to live a life where 25 years later, people are still coming to remember that person — not just the officer, but the person behind the badge.”

— Jeff Blundell, Close friend and former colleague of Officer Baird

“He was one of those guys that if he was in the room, you knew it because he just kind of lit up a room. Very much a happy, fun, loving guy — somebody that you wanted to be around. Kind of a magnet. You were just drawn to him if you wanted to be around and spend time with him.”

— Jeff Blundell, Close friend and former colleague of Officer Baird

What’s next

After 25 years, Blundell expressed hope that the person responsible for placing the batting cage in the roadway that led to Baird's death will come forward, so that Baird's family can finally find peace.

The takeaway

Officer Baird's legacy lives on in the hearts of the Gainesville community, who continue to honor his sacrifice and commitment to public service. The events highlight the importance of remembering those who give their lives to protect and serve, and the lasting impact they can have on a community.