The mother of Officer Matthew Baxter's first-born child described him as generous, charismatic and kind. She wants to make sure no one ever forgets that.

  • Officer Matthew Baxter was killed Friday in north Kissimmee
  • Stephanie Santiago is mother of Isabella, his daughter
  • Services for Baxter take place Thursday

Stephanie Santiago said Baxter, who was killed while answering a call in north Kissimmee last week,was a positive person who was also very involved in his community.

"Why, why him? Why Matthew? He was a good person,” she questioned. “We need him."

Their daughter Isabella turns two years old next week and her dad won't be there to celebrate.

"He was a good father and hopefully she understands the situation. That he was a hero,” Santiago said. “That he died protecting his country."

Santiago said she remembers Baxter telling her stories of how he had helped save lives, how he would give advice to the youth but most of all, how much he enjoyed protecting others.

"This violence has to stop. It made me feel unfair,” she explained. “He deserves better. He doesn't deserve to be killed like that."

Santiago said the two shared custody of Isabella and that no matter what he was always there for their daughter.

"I don't know how I am going to raise my daughter without him. Because I know she needs him," Santiago said.

She has a message for those who are to blame for the death of Baxter: "Those cowards took his life but they will never take his spirit. His legacy has to live forever. He will be remembered, we will remember him as a good father, as a good person, as a good friend."

Santiago has set up a GoFundMe account for Isabella.

Services for Officer Baxter and for Sgt. Sam Howard will take place Thursday at 11 a.m. at First Baptist of Orlando on John Young Parkway.

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