Lt. Don Baird was a 1974 graduate of La Follette High School

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- Retired Tennessee Highway Patrol Lieutenant Don Baird passed away over the weekend after a courageous battle with cancer.

“Sad day for my THP family. Don was one of my Sergeants and Lieutenant when I was a baby trooper,” said THP Captain Stacey Heatherly.

“Don was a friend and an outstanding law enforcement officer,” said Campbell County 2nd District Constable Darryl Chapman.

“He was a good man, husband, dad, son and a good and fair boss,” said Morgan County Chief of Corrections Aaron Evans and former THP Trooper.

Baird served his state and community with the Tennessee Highway Patrol until his retirement in 2013. He later joined the U.S. Marshal Service at Knoxville’s Federal Court House. Baird loved being a public servant and building long lasting friendships with those he served both co-workers and the public.

Don Baird

Some of Baird’s greatest accomplishments were bringing D.A.R.E. to East Tennessee and educating kids in safety. He had a heart for children, and every Christmas during his years with the THP, he held an annual bicycle giveaway to underprivileged kids.

Don Baird turned 69 years of age last week. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-08/18/2025-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF AARON EVANS)

4 Replies to “La Follette native, career THP trooper Baird passes”

  1. Don was a heck of a good man. He was fair and truthful. Not a better man ever put on a uniform. RIP.

  2. Don and I became one of my best friends very shortly after he came to LaFollette and remained that way all through the years. RIP my friend until we meet again

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