Highway 17 named after fallen officer - Santa Cruz Sentinel

I am very proud to be a "Friend" and fellow camper of the CTT. I have very fond memories of Mike and his family.
He is forever in out hearts and miss him very much!
I am glad that he has a sign dedicated in his memory!
Just reading the article gave me goose bumps!
Mike was a terrific CHP officer, a fantistic Dad, and always there to help in the time of need!
God bless Mike , Michelle, Amanda and Jennifer!

I just wanted to send a little note out there to the lovely public that has decided to comment on such a sad and honorable occasion. My husband is a police officer and my daughter is one of Mike's daughter's best friends. Our lives were changed so horribly that night. As a law enforcement wife, I do worry about the people out there that have such crass opinions of the jobs these officers do. Without the law enforcement family and law abiding citizens my husband's job would be nothing but a waste. I pray for those that are disrespectful of the sacrifices made on an almost daily basis by public safety employees, whether firefighter or police officer. I can't imagine what people like you would do if you had to deal with the daily tradgedies these people see and live with. There are plenty of CHP officers that give their lives helping others. They are the guardians of our roadways, and their job will never be done. Please take a minute when you are ranting and think of how you spend your New Year's Eve. When you are kissing your loved one think of Mike's wife Michelle and his girls. Personally, this used to be such a joyous night for my family but it is now tainted with sadness. I am sorry for those that lost their friend, but do not be direspectful of the innocent officer that gave his life helping another. Yes he was just doing his job, but, there aren't many other jobs out there where people knowingly put themselves into harm's way. This honor is well deserved, and please think of those he left behind when you pass this stretch of road. Please drive safely.

You: why does this feel soooo much like a CHP publicity option?
Me: Only a small cover up of a CHP officer's mistake in driving. Some time there was an accident where two officers were killed when one was picking up an officer to take him to work. Big publicity to make the two officers look like heroes. Why- to cover up the fact that both officers had been officially warned that using their cruisers was forbidden for what they were doing when they were killed. Their records showed that they could be charged with Grand Theft Auto for using their cruisers for that. So the big coverup to make them look like heros, when they were really common thieves- by their own laws. Maybe the officer you posted about did not break any laws- or maybe he did. There are many law-enforcement people who think that any negative publicity will cost them a pay raise or two or an advancement in career possibilities. So- the answer to your concern is not good or bad, only $$$$$$$$$$

Having witnessed the "remains" of the accident myself while trying frantically to get over to the hospital to Jerry, it is hard for me to read all of this. I have read the report cover to cover several times (it is about 1" thick). I am saddened by that fact that two men lost their lives that night. I understand how hard it is to lose your dad - mine died in a head-on collision when I was 10. I do not begrudge the honor bestowed on Lt. Walker, but please remember that my brother's life was not worth any less than Lt. Walkers. My brother will never experience the joy of marriage, the miracle of birth and the love of a family. My brother was in no way a reckless person - in fact he was the opposite. He was a planner; he made his decisions based upon careful thought. When I saw my brothers car that night on highway 17, I made one plea. "Wait for me Jer, just wait for me". True to his nature, he did. He waited. I kissed his still warm cheek and said goodbye. I sat with him, alone, not wanting to leave him there in a empty hospital surgical room. So, please, all of you who assume my brother was a careless, murdering, driver, remember that that young man driving could have been you, or your son, or your father. Anyone who has driven 17 knows this. Jer has a family that is deeply affected by all of this. Be thoughtful. Be kind and be careful of what you "think" you might know.