Officer Scott Baird Memorial Ride

February 12, 2026 marks 25 years since Officer Scott Baird made the ultimate sacrifice. Come join us as we ride 25 miles across Gainesville to honor and remember him. The ride starts from the Gainesville Police Department memorial trees and concludes at Officer Baird's memorial and candlelight vigil behind Gainesville High School.


Police Officer Scott Matthew Baird
Gainesville Police Department, Florida
End of Watch: Monday, February 12, 2001

Police Officer Scott Baird was killed after being struck by a vehicle while attempting to move an obstruction from a roadway in the early morning hours.

The obstruction was a 200-pound batting cage that had been placed in the road behind a high school as a prank. Officer Baird was struck by the cage after the cage was hit by a vehicle.

Officer Baird had served with the Gainesville Police Department for two years. He had recently been named "Most Popular Officer" by local businesses.