ASHEBORO N.C. (ACME NEWS) – The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office has announced that, for the first time in its history, a female deputy has joined the Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team (SERT).
SERT is a specialized unit of highly trained officers tasked with handling dangerous situations and confronting the most violent criminals. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the unit functions as a SWAT team, with rigorous performance standards. Members respond to high-risk scenarios, including executing dangerous search warrants and addressing armed, barricaded individuals.
When asked about her new role as the first female SERT Operator, Deputy Traci Baker said, “I honestly don’t even think about it because I’m not treated any differently as a female. I wanted to challenge myself and become part of this team.”
Deputy Baker began her career with the Sheriff’s Office in 2009, initially working in the Detention Center’s transportation unit. She then moved to School-Based Programs as a CARE Instructor later that year. In 2016, she transitioned to the evidence division, where she was promoted to Detective in 2018. In 2019, she returned to School-Based Programs and currently serves as the Junior Sheriff’s Academy Director.
Deputy Baker also made history in 2017 as the Sheriff’s Office’s first female firearms instructor. She now serves as Lead Firearms Instructor for Randolph Community College’s Basic Law Enforcement Training, where she instructs future law enforcement officers.
In October 2020, Deputy Baker applied for an open position on the Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team (SERT). The selection process required candidates to pass a series of rigorous physical and mental tests designed to assess their suitability for high-pressure situations. The Sheriff’s Office reported that Baker excelled in all areas, including aerobic and anaerobic fitness and firearms proficiency. After completing the tests, current SERT members voted to offer her a position.
“Although she doesn’t view herself as different or special for being a female on the Emergency Response Team, Deputy Baker hopes to inspire other women in law enforcement,” said Lieutenant Eric Wilson, SERT Commander. “She has quickly proven to be a valued asset to our team.”
Baker served as a probationary member from October 2020 until May 2021. Upon successfully completing her probation on May 6, 2021, she became a permanent SERT Operator.
Baker says that the intensive SERT training complements her daily role, where she teaches the CARE program to second graders. (The Child Abuse Reduction Effort, or CARE, was founded in Randolph County in 1992.) With her SERT training, Baker feels even more prepared to respond to any potential school emergency requiring a tactical approach.
“I am incredibly proud of Deputy Baker for her perseverance, dedication and motivation to achieve this monumental goal. I am honored to be the Sheriff who has the privilege of seeing her make history as the first female ERT Operator and set exemplary standards for other female law enforcement officers.”
Sheriff Greg Seabolt
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