b'Lester BakerDoctor of Humane Letters, honoris causaChief Baker is a hands-on public safety administrator who utilizes a strategic and focused approach to developing creative solutions to community challenges.He is a hard-working law enforcement professional with a strong focus on equity, transparency, and accountability, and an emphasis on evidence-based policing and crime prevention. Sworn in as Framingham Police Chief in 2020, Baker first joined the department in 2003 after seven years with the Lexington, MA, Police Department. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2008, Lieutenant in 2014, and Deputy Chief in 2018. Bakers managerial and leadership style has helped to foster a variety of Framingham Police Departments community engagement efforts, including regular neighborhood meetings and the Jail Diversion Program (JDP). An advocate of the program since its inception in 2003, the JDP pairs specially trained crisis clinicians with police officers in an effort to re-direct individuals committing non-violent offenses out of the criminal justice system and into more appropriate community-based behavioral health services.In addition to his ongoing outreach efforts with community service organizations and community activists and leaders, Baker also volunteers for a number of youth programs. These include the Police Athletic Leagues boxing and basketball programs, the Read-Along program with children at the local elementary schools, and Bigs in Blue, a one-to-one mentoring program that connects youth with police in area communities to help build strong and trusting relationships. Bakers work and volunteerism have garnered him a number of service recognitions, including MADD Greater Boston Officer of the Year, the Chiefs Service Award, Distinguished Service Award, Police Service Award, Meritorious Service Award, and other commendations. He holds certifications from the Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education Program, the Senior Management Institute for Police, and FBI LEEDS. Baker earned a bachelors degree in Law Enforcement from Western New England University and a masters degree in Public Administration from Framingham State University.7'