When Gregory Baker joined the Park Forest Police Department in 1983, it was a decision shaped by personal experience and a desire for change. Growing up on Chicago’s South Side, Baker originally planned to become a doctor and attended the University of Illinois before changing direction in search of steady work. His future took a new turn after a friend was fatally shot by police during an incident that left him questioning law enforcement’s role in his community.
“That just didn’t sit well with me,” Baker recalled.
At a time when relationships between police and Black communities were tense, Baker chose to pursue policing as a way to make a difference.
“If that’s what the police are doing to the people I know and love,” he said, “maybe I need to be part of the change.”
Baker had not initially intended to join Park Forest’s police force. He discovered the opportunity while accompanying family members to Village Hall, where he decided on the spot to apply. After performing well in testing, he joined the department in 1983. Early on, he noted how accessible village leadership was; then-Assistant Village Manager John Perry encouraged open communication with applicants.
“That was impressive to me,” Baker said.
Over 23 years with Park Forest Police Department, Baker advanced through various roles including patrol officer, field training officer, detective, arson investigator, and member of specialized units such as Special Operations and undercover narcotics during the 1990s drug epidemic. He also supervised training programs and received recognition as Officer of the Year twice.
“At that time, there were not a lot of Black police officers anywhere,” Baker said. “So I was somewhat of a commodity.”
He completed specialized training at Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command and became the first African American in department history promoted to commander, captain, and deputy chief. He credits Anthony Brunson—Park Forest’s first Black officer—as an early mentor.
Reflecting on his experiences growing up in segregated neighborhoods versus living in Park Forest, Baker observed differences: “I was definitely surprised,” Baker said. “It wasn’t perfect, but people seemed to mix very well.”
After retiring from Park Forest in 2006, Baker continued his career as chief of police in Riverdale and South Holland before retiring again in 2017.
Despite his achievements breaking barriers within law enforcement leadership roles, Baker emphasized that representation is more important than titles.
“You have to have people that look like yourself,” Baker said. “You can’t just talk about change. You have to become the solution.”
He acknowledged challenges recruiting minorities into policing due to scrutiny and job demands but maintained that participation is essential for progress: “We cannot allow people to mistreat our communities because there are not enough of us involved,” Baker said.
Asked about his legacy, he replied: “If people just say, ‘He made a difference,’ that would mean more to me,” Baker said.
Throughout more than two decades serving Park Forest—a community recognized for its focus on health initiatives and engagement, sustainability efforts in town planning, educational opportunities through its Civic Leadership Academy and council-manager government structure—Baker worked toward fairness and accountability within local law enforcement.
