With each passing day the assault on our brave hero’s in blue seems to grow. It has become a reoccurring theme throughout our news feeds that there has been yet another attack on one of the brave men and women who wear the badge. The men and women who make up our law enforcement agencies need our support now more than ever. They are facing attacks from not only those criminal elements on the streets, but from political agendas and media campaigns seeking to damage the public’s trust in those who have sworn to protect them.
Texas State Trooper Chad Walker is another victim of the assault on our officers. On March 26th Trooper Walker was ambushed while responding to what he apparently thought was a disabled vehicle parked on the side of a rural road just outside of Mexia, a small town about 40 miles northeast of Waco. Walker, who was alone, pulled up behind the vehicle and was shot in the head and abdomen before he could get out of his patrol car, according to a statement from Todd Snyder, regional director of the Texas Department of Public Safety.
"Our DPS family is absolutely heartbroken at the loss of one of our brothers in uniform who was killed in the line of duty," DPS Director Steven McCraw said in a statement announcing Walker's death. "Texas Highway Patrol Trooper Chad Walker was committed to protecting the people of Texas. His sacrifice will never be forgotten, and we ask that you keep his family, friends and colleagues in your prayers during the difficult days ahead."
Trooper Walker was a 38-year old father of four. Those that knew him best described Chad as a man of faith and a man devoted to his family and those he had sworn to protect. Pastor Jimmy Cotton of Cowboy Heritage Church in Freestone County told those in attendance at the memorial that Chad “was a young man destined for greatness”. Cotton spoke about Walker’s faith, crediting his strength to his relationship with God. “He knew where his faith lied, and he knew where his home was.”
“He was mighty strong in the Lord and I believe it was the power of Jesus Christ that held him up every day to put on his uniform,” Cotton said, urging law enforcement to keep their spirits up and to not “let the fear of the evil one and what happened to Chad stop you from serving.”
Trooper Walker started his career in law enforcement in 2003 at the Athens Police Department. He then moved on to Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, Groesbeck Police Department, Limestone County Sheriff’s Office, and then finally to the Texas Department of Public Safety. He joined the DPS in 2015 and was assigned to the station in Groesbeck.
Trooper Walker was a loving husband to wife Tobie and devoted father to his 15 year-old son, two twin 7-year old daughters, and a 2-month old daughter. He also leaves behind many friends and family who loved and supported this great man.
If you are able to provide any financial assistance to his family please contact the Department of Public Safety to find what they need at this time. There is a GoFundMe page that has already raised thousands of dollars to help them in this most difficult time. Please keep Trooper Chad Walker and his family in your prayers.
If you are unable to provide financial assistance at this time you can still honor and show your support for the brave men and women in blue. These are extremely difficult and dangerous times and law enforcement sacrifice so much of themselves for each of us. Personally thank them when you see them in public. Show your support with Back the Blue apparel and bumper stickers.
