After completing his assignment for the evening at the Sheriff’s Medical Detention Facility, Deputy Stewart Baird, 44, proceeded to the place of business where his wife was working to assist her with closing the business.

As they worked, a man entered the business armed with a sawed off rifle. At gunpoint, he ordered the cash register emptied. The suspect demanded Baird and other patrons remain seated with their heads down.

Deputy Baird confronted the suspect as he attempted to leave the business. During a physical altercation that followed, Deputy Baird drew his service weapon and fired two shots as the robber accosted him. One of the bullets hit the suspect but it failed to stop his attack on Baird. The suspect viciously hit Deputy Baird in the head causing him to fall and strike his head again. Deputy Baird died within minutes.

The suspect fled the business and collapsed outside on the sidewalk and died of his wounds. The suspect was identified as a parolee with a long and violent criminal history including a previous arrest for murder.

Deputy Stewart Baird was awarded the Medal of Valor, posthumously, for bravery above and beyond the call of duty.

Deputy Baird is buried at Mount Vernon Memorial Park on Greenback Lane.