OR HCR38

Oregon Legislative Assembly formally recognizes and honors Deputy Paul Emerson Baker (1928-1982) for his service to the state

Deputy Baker served in the U.S. Merchant Marine beginning in 1945 and in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, where he was wounded at Heartbreak Ridge and received the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and other military honors

Law enforcement career spanned decades: two years with Hawthorne, California police department, 17 years with California Highway Patrol (1957-1974), and civil deputy with Yamhill County Sheriff's Office starting September 1979

Deputy Baker died on January 22, 1982, at age 53, from injuries sustained when his patrol truck was struck head-on on Highway 99W crossing the Yamhill River

Resolution adopted by Oregon House on June 4, 2025, and by Senate on June 17, 2025