Remembering one of California’s best

It was 10 years ago on December 31, 2005, that Santa Cruz Area Lieutenant Michael Walker, ID 9919, and Sergeant Mike Redel, ID 10554, were dispatched to a disabled motorist on southbound SR-17 near Glenwood Drive.
A Caltrans truck stopped behind the CHP unit to provide additional traffic control. Lieutenant Walker was laying flares to warn approaching traffic when the driver of an Audi sedan neared the scene. The driver lost control and struck the Caltrans truck which subsequently was pushed into Lieutenant Walker. Lieutenant Walker was transported to DominicanHospital where he was pronounced deceased. The driver of the Audi, a Boulder Creek man, was also killed in the collision.
“We remain very grateful to the men and women of law enforcement, particularly the CHP, who serve and protect us every day, often putting their own lives on the line. Mike loved helping people by doing his job. We encourage all citizens to take a moment to show their appreciation to officers,” said Michelle Walker, widow of Lt. Mike Walker.
“The Santa Cruz Area honored Lieutenant Walker at 12:00 p.m. on December 31, 2015. A small ceremony took place at the Aptos CHP office where flags were flown at half-staff,” reported Trista Drake, CHP Public Information Officer. “All personnel wore mourning ribbons across their badges.”