Standing together; honoring law enforcement
The Big Spring Police Department and Howard County Sheriff's Officer joined together on Thursday afternoon to light up their red and blues in honor and remembrance of DPS Trooper Chad Walker. Trooper Walker was shot and killed during a traffic stop near Mexia over the weekend.
“This day and age it's important as a Blue family to support each other and each other's families. Not a lot of people look at us as just another member of society; we all have families and other things we do in our lives besides law enforcement, but we take law enforcement seriously because without law enforcement there is a lot of chaos,” Sgt. Amie Taft with the Big Spring Police Department, said. “We have to do things we don't want to do sometimes and we try to uphold and enforce the law as best we can. When we see a brother or sister in blue go down it's rough for everybody.”
For one minute the lights flashed as officers stood together holding the line in memory of their fallen comrad. Governor Greg Abbott issued a statement on Wednesday afternoon in regards to the tragic loss.
“Our hearts are with the family and friends of Trooper Walker as they grieve his tragic death in the line of duty,” Governor Abbott said. “Trooper Walker's horrific murder is a solemn reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face everyday to keep our communities safe. We will always support law enforcement here in Texas, and we are indebted to the sacrifices that they make to serve and protect their fellow Texans. To honor Trooper Walker and all officers across the Lone Star State, I am asking law enforcement to turn on their red and blue flashing lights for one minute tomorrow (Thursday) at one o'clock, and I urge my fellow Texans to stand with our police and support them as they work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.”
Amanda Duforat is the Managing Editor at the Big Spring Herald. To contact her, e-mail editor@bigspringherald. com or call 432-263-7331.