AUSTIN, TX — Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Troopers paid tribute to Texas Highway Patrol Troopers, Texas Rangers and Special Agents that lost their lives in the line of duty at the 2021 Peace Officers Memorial Service.
Trooper Chad Walker and Trooper Moises Sanchez were both honored at the Memorial Service.
“Today, I am deeply humbled to speak at the 2021 Peace Officers Memorial Service,” said Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. “Since I have been Lt. Governor, I have attended far too many funerals for our fallen officers. I stand with Texas DPS and our brave peace officers, and will continue to work diligently to better protect our Troopers as they put their lives on the line, every single day, for Texas communities.”
Since DPS first began with the Texas Rangers in 1823, 223 DPS Officers have died in the line of duty.
Since its last Peace Officers Memorial Service two years ago, 512 officers nationwide were killed in the line of duty, 92 were serving in Texas, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.
“Not everyone has the courage and fortitude to be in law enforcement. It is a job you must be committed to 24 hours a day. It is a duty your family must be willing to serve as well,” said Texas Public Safety Commission Chairman Steven P. Mach. “Today we pay our respects to our fallen heroes, among them Trooper Moises Sanchez and Trooper Chad Walker. We are eternally grateful for everything they have done.”
Today the families of Trooper Walker and Trooper Sanchez laid flowers on a wreath to honor their loved ones.
Trooper Chad Walker was killed in the line of duty near Mexia on March 26. Trooper Walker was taken to Baylor Scott & White - Hillcrest in Waco, where he died from his injuries on March 31 after donating his organs to help others in a final act of service.
Trooper Moises Sanchez was shot in April 2019, while trying to apprehend a driver involved in a wreck in Hidalgo County. He died from his injuries that August.
“Every day, our law enforcement officers walk into dangerous situations not knowing what the outcome may be, and they accept this as part of their role to protect and serve people in their communities,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “Today we remember the sacrifices of those who have given their all in the line of duty. We pay special respects to Trooper Moises Sanchez, Trooper Chad Walker and their families. These fallen heroes exemplified courage, bravery and honor, and they will never be forgotten.”
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