Texas DPS trooper on life support to make ‘final sacrifice’ as organ donor

UPDATE:  A Texas Department of Public Safety officer will  make a “final sacrifice” as he remains on life support to donate his organs.

“It has been determined that Trooper Chad Walker no longer displays signs of viable brain activity and he remains on life support until he can share the gift of life as an organ donor,” the agency posted on its Facebook page. ” This final sacrifice embodies Trooper Walker’s actions throughout his life and service as a Texas Highway Patrol trooper.”

Walker was shot in the head and abdomen when he stopped to help the driver of a stalled vehicle near Mexia Friday night.    The man got out of his car and fired through the windshield of Walker’s patrol vehicle.

The man fled and later took his own life. Walker was taken to Baylor Scott and White Hospital in Waco.

Walker and his wife have a 15-year-old son, twin 7-year-old daughters and a 2-month-old baby girl.  A GoFundMe account has been set up for Walker’s family.

“The Walker family is grateful for the continued support and prayers as they remain at Chad’s side” read a DPS post.

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SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) – As Texas Department of Public Safety trooper Chad Walker remained in critical condition Sunday night, members of his community in Groesbeck gathered for a vigil.

Walker was shot when he pulled up behind a stranded motorist on Highway 84 near Mexia Friday night.  The driver identified as DeArther Pinson got out of the car and fired several shots through the windshield of Walker’s patrol car, wounding him in the head and abdomen. He was rushed to a hospital in Waco.

A vigil Sunday night was live streamed by KWTX News 10.  The gathering included friends, family members, former classmates and fellow members of the law enforcement community.

“We want him to know that we love him and  our community loves him,” said family friend Casey.  “We are praying for a miracle.”

Family friend Bryce Worsham said more should be done to protect law enforcement officers.

“I don’t think there’s any reason why we cannot start a new initiative to where this never, ever happens again,” Worsham said as his voice quivered with emotion. “Bulletproof windshields, glass–something  that we can put on the line to protect the ones who protect us.”

The Groesbeck  police chief said it’s difficult for anyone to think about Walker without smiling because of his personality and sense of humor.

“Chad is always one to help others, which is what he was doing the other night.  He is always one to step out there and lend a hand and he is always one I’ll forever call my brother,” said Groesbeck police chief Chris Henson.

Walker and his wife have a 15-year-old son, twin 7-year-old daughters and a 2-month old baby girl.

Kara Hardin, a friend of the family, has set up a GoFundMe account to help cover medical and travel expenses