Thousands Gather To Honor Slain Texas Trooper Chad Walker In Hometown
GROESBECK, Texas (CBSDFW.COM/AP) — About 5,000 people gathered Wednesday at a Texas high school football stadium to pay their respects to state trooper who was fatally shot during a traffic stop.
Chad Walker, 38, had been on life support following the March 26 shooting near Mexia, about 75 miles southeast of Dallas. He died several days later at a Waco hospital.
Walker's memorial service was held in his hometown of Groesbeck, where he previously served as a police officer, the Waco Tribune-Herald reported.
"That young man was destined for greatness, just take a look around," said the Rev. Jimmy Cotton, who helped officiate the service. "He knew his where his faith lied and he knew where his home was."
The Arlington Police Department tweeted, "Our Honor Guard and Chaplain were there today to recognize the service and sacrifice of @TxDPS Trooper Chad Walker. Saw agencies from all over Texas and as far away as NYPD."
The man suspected of shooting Walker fled the traffic stop and then killed himself, authorities said.
Walker is survived by his wife and four children. He had worked in law enforcement since 2003 and had been with the Texas Department of Public Safety since 2015.
(© Copyright 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
