70 miles today.

We had an Event at Groesbeck High School. As a group we honored Trooper Chad Walker who was killed in the line of duty.

Trooper Chad Walker – Organ Donor

Chad Michael Walker was born May 21, 1982 to Michael Lynn Walker and Brenda Kay Warren Walker in Corsicana, Texas. He grew up in Groesbeck and graduated from Groesbeck High School in 2000 and from Navarro college police academy in 2003 as his class Valedictorian. Chad enjoyed bass fishing in the Navasota River as a teenager and in his adulthood with his children and parents. Chad loved anything outdoors – hunting, fishing, his cows, and his kids, – were a pleasure to Chad. He grew up helping his grandfather, Dennis, with cattle and was proud of his own Beefmaster herd.

Chad began a career in law enforcement in 2003 at Athens Police Department, Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, and then served with the Groesbeck Police Department, the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office, and joined the Texas Department of Public Safety in 2015. He was very involved in community activities in both Limestone and Freestone counties and was on the Limestone County Farm Bureau Board of Directors.

Chad was joined as one, to be married for life, with Tobie Taylor Walker on September 22, 2018. They lived in Groesbeck with their four children Ethan, twin daughters Rylee and Charlee, and newborn daughter, Tulsa June. Chad was a Christian, worshiping at Living Proof Church in Groesbeck. After Chad’s life of service to his family, friends, and the public, he gave the ultimate gift through the donation of his organs to help keep others alive.

The Department of Public Safety said in a statement, “This final sacrifice embodies Trooper Walker’s actions throughout his life and service as a Texas Highway Patrol Trooper.”

I also introduced Jennifer Alpard and the Foundation she and her husband Scott started in honor of their son Cade.

The Cade R. Alpard Foundation for Pediatric Liver Disease, Inc.

Cade’s Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization established in 2003 by Scott and Jennifer Alpard for the purpose of supporting and funding the various programs that will make a difference in the lives of children with liver disease. Our mission is to find a cure for pediatric liver disease through the support of research and education.

When Cade was first diagnosed with biliary atresia, we knew he would eventually require a liver transplant. We didn’t think he would need one this soon, but we are thankful he received a healthy liver and now can get back to being a normal, happy, active child.

During the rollercoaster of a year one of the most difficult parts was how helpless and frustrated we felt. The most difficult thing a parent can do is put the life of their child in someone else’s hands. Obviously, this is what was required for Cade to receive the wonderful and compassionate care that everyone at Texas Children’s Hospital provided (in spite of his occasionally demanding and frustrated parents).

During this ordeal, we decided we had to do something that would allow us to feel like we were involved or at least making some kind of difference. We met numerous families and got to know other brave, courageous, and beautiful children that had received a liver transplant or who had some type of liver disease. We felt that we could and should do something to make a difference in the lives of not only these children, and their families, but in the lives of others in the years to come.

In addition, we learned no other organization existed that was solely focused on finding cures for these devastating illnesses. As a result, we created a Foundation, in Cade’s name, focused on pediatric liver disease. It is with a great amount of pride and appreciation that we use Cade’s name for this worthwhile endeavor.

As Title Honoree, The Cade R. Alpard Foundation for Pediatric Liver Disease, Inc will be recognized at each local event along the 2023 Lone Star Circle of Life route.