Nineteen years is a long time, but for Patrick Walker, it goes quickly when you enjoy the work you do.
Walker began his career in law enforcement with the Butler County Sheriff’s department in 2004, and has continued to accomplish his goal of moving through the ranks.
“Time doesn’t move as fast when you’re younger,” he said.
He started as a sheriff’s deputy when he was only 21 years old, after graduating from Butler County Community College with an associate degree and then from the municipal police academy at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
In 2018, Walker was promoted to sergeant, and will continue moving up in the near future.
According to Sheriff Mike Slupe, Walker’s consistency and conscientiousness on the job all contribute to his upcoming promotion to captain of operations.
In the new role, Walker will supervise everything to do with deputy and prisoner movements. He’s slated to start in February 2024.
“He’s that good of an employee,” Slupe said. “He’s done an admirable job in his duties. He’s well-deserving.”
“It’s a lot of added stress, but I like assuming responsibilities. I kind of like to be in charge of stuff, and being the guy that (people) can say, ‘OK, he’s in charge today,’” Walker said of the new role.
Slupe described Walker as a family man, who’s as professional as he is well-rounded.
“He’s just a good, down-to-earth person,” he said.
Walker enjoys most aspects of his job, but especially working with deputies.
“I like working with people, I like trying to help people,” he said. “I like being the guy people can rely on to make their job easier.”
He said his role has changed throughout his time at the department, and he’s enjoyed gaining responsibilities. His current duties can range from transporting inmates to handling evidence.
“I like a heavier workload, because the day passes quickly. There’s a sense of accomplishment when your day is busier,” he said.
He added that he feels prepared for the new role, as he has an interest in the day-to-day operations of the department.
“My goal always was to move up in the ranks, within 10 years or so my goal was to move up to the captain position, and I’ll be doing that in a few months now,” he said.
According to Walker’s grandmother, Mary, law-enforcement runs in their family.
“His great-great-uncle was sheriff in the ’60s, and one of his uncles was a state trooper,” she said. “We have law enforcement in our blood I guess.”
Walker said he’s always had an interest in the law enforcement field, partly because of his uncle, Terry. Now, he works with Terry every day in the Sheriff’s office.
“Just talking to him got me interested,” he said.
Mary described Walker as an “all-around nice guy,” who enjoys his job.
“Patrick is a loving, caring grandson,” she said.
Walker said he’s honored to have been nominated for the Hometown Hero award. He received it from the Butler AM Rotary Club.
“I’m really appreciative of it. … I’m not the guy that likes to be in the limelight, I don’t need the recognition to make me feel better about myself,” he said. “But it’s humbling.”
Patrick Walker, of the Butler County Sheriff's Office, shows his Hometown Hero award Sept. 5 with Jack Cohen, president and CEO of the Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau, left, and Sheriff Mike Slupe, on Walker's right, and Jeff Geibel, president of the Butler AM Rotary Club. Submitted photo
