 | Trooper Willie James Walker Oklahoma Highway Patrol Oklahoma Wednesday, February 17, 1971 |
I was working at Fountainhead State Park at that time and remember well the incident and the dark days following. Michael Gibson employee State of Oklahoma 2008-09-18
YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE, YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE VANDENBERGHE MANCHESTER, NH 2008-02-11
"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day To respond to calls unknown. He drives a marked patrol car. A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes To make it safe on the streets. But he usually has a second job 'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday 'Cause he works all year round. And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often, The one whos blood runs blue. He seldom ever gets a thanks, To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops 'Cause people just don't understand That underneath his badge and gun, He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow In this world of drugs and crime. And he gets so mad at the court system 'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work, He prays to God above. Please bring me home after my shift So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car, He's alone down this ole' highway. It's just a little traffic infraction. He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window, And his badge is shining bright. He asked the guy for a driver's license, When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark, Striking the officer in the chest. But the Department's budget didn't buy Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding. His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red. And briefly he thought of his loved ones 'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story Of how this officer had died. And some who listened cared less, But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform With his badge pinned on his chest. He even had his revolver, He died doing his best.
Written By: David L. Bell Sergeant Richland County Sheriff's Department Columbia, South Carolina Used with Special Permission of the Author Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved and may not be duplicated without permission Investigator David L Bell Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC 2008-01-09
Bill Walker taught me to Bass Fish, to stand up as a man, and that real men, good men, serve Christ and their fellow man with honor and compassion. He serves now with His Lord in Heaven. He was recently re-united with his beautiful wife, Janette. Rev. Paul Ratliff Nephew 2006-12-23
What a terrible thing to happen. My thoughts and prayers go out the family of Trooper Walker.
Rest in peace. Michelle - wife of Retired LEO
2006-09-28
Thank you for your service and sacrifice, Trooper. Private Citizen
2006-05-01
Bill,I knew you as a Trooper and brother in law enforcement and still miss your friendship and wit. I know God Blesses you and may he bless your family. Cpl. Gregg Van de Loo Comal County Sheriff's Office,Texas 2004-09-04
Trooper Walker you are not forgotten. My thanks as a brother officer for your sacrifice. To the family & friends of Trooper walker I offer my condolence. Sr. Trooper Oregon State Police
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