North Carolina State University Athletics
Sheriff John Baker To Be Honored on Saturday
8/19/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 19, 2002
Wake County Sheriff John H. Baker, Jr., will be presented with the prestigious Black Coaches Association Outstanding Achievement Award during halftime ceremonies of Saturday's BCA Bowl, which features the Wolfpack of NC State against the Lobos of New Mexico. The award will be presented in recognition of Baker's honors and accomplishments in law enforcement and public service, as well as in athletics.
A Raleigh native, Baker attended North Carolina Central University on a football scholarship after graduating from Ligon High School in 1954. He went on to play 12 years in the NFL, with stints with the L.A. Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions. During his pro career, he was selected to the National League "All-Star Team," was the Steelers' defensive captain and MVP. He is a member of the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame.
In 1978, Baker was elected Sheriff of Wake County and has been re-elected in every subsequent election. When his current term ends in December, he will have served the citizens of Wake County for 24 years, making him the longest-tenured active sheriff in North Carolina's 100 counties.
