Kyle E. Baker

Founder - The Partner Foundation
Seasoned Police Officer | Medal of Valor Recipient | First Responder Advocate

My name is Kyle, and The Partner Foundation was born out of a season I never saw coming.

In late 2019, I lost my dad suddenly in a tragic car accident. As I was trying to grieve, COVID began shutting down the country, isolating families and stripping away many of the support systems people rely on during loss.

On December 16, 2020, while serving as a police officer, I responded to what I believed was a routine call. Within minutes, I was running toward gunfire. That night, Officer Jason Shuping was killed in the line of duty, another officer was seriously wounded, and I was forced to take a life to stop the threat. The weight of that night is something I will always carry.

Just 36 hours later, my wife and I lost our unborn child to miscarriage.

The months that followed were heavy. Grief, trauma, and unanswered questions piled up, and for nearly 18 months I lived in a fog—functioning on the outside while struggling to find solid ground on the inside. I knew I needed help, but I didn’t know which road to take or who to trust. Like many first responders, I felt stuck between carrying it all alone and not knowing how to ask for support.

What ultimately helped me climb out wasn’t a single moment or solution—it was people willing to walk with me, meet me where I was, and stay in it as long as it took. Through that process, my purpose became clearer, and my pain began to take on new meaning.

That journey led to the creation of The Partner Foundation.

Today, I share my story not to dwell on past trials, but to light the way forward. Whether through coffee, conversation, or connection, The Partner Foundation is building a culture where courage is honored, service is celebrated, and healing is possible. We walk alongside first responders and their families after critical incidents and cumulative trauma—remaining present until the path forward becomes clearer and they’re ready to walk on their own.

If you’re in the fog right now, know this: you don’t have to navigate it alone.

— Kyle Baker
Founder, The Partner Foundation

Contact Kyle - Kyle@PartnerNC.Org