POWHATAN COUNTY, Va. — WTVR CBS 6 provided live coverage of the funeral of VSP Special Agent Michael Walter Saturday at Powhatan High School on CBS 6, WTVR.com/LIVE and on the WTVR CBS 6 Facebook page. An archive of the broadcast is also available on the WTVR CBS 6 YouTube channel.
The visitation took place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and the funeral started at 1 p.m.
A reception at the school was held following the service.
Walter was fatally shot last Friday in Richmond’s Mosby Court last Friday while he was partnered with a Richmond police officer.
Police said 27-year-old Travis Ball shot the special agent in the head.
Walter, who died several hours later at VCU Medical Center, is survived by his a wife and three children.
Special Agent Michael T. Walter
RPD officer praises Walter: ‘He’s the reason I’m here right now’
One of the vigils held to honor Walter’s memory saw hundreds gathered outside the Virginia State Police AcademyWednesday evening.
“Mike did everything right, he had total control of the situation,” said Richmond Police Officer Chris Duane.
Officer Duane was the officer on patrol with Walter that Friday evening that he was shot.
Investigators said Walter went over the passenger’s side of the vehicle when police said the suspect shot the special agent.
“When the shot rang out that took Mike’s life, him and I were literally physically shoulder to shoulder and I know the only reason I’m here right now being able to talk to you guys is because Mike is the one that took that shot,” he said.
Walter was one of Officer Duane’s best friends.
“One of the best guys I’ve ever known and I feel privileged that I was able to spend, able to be with him his last few moments here,” said Officer Duane.
“Mike Walter was a true American hero,” said Richmond Police Deputy Chief Steve Drew.
Special Agent Michael T. Walter
Slain special agent remembered for big heart
While the flag outside of the Blackhawk Gym in Powhatan County flew at half-staff Tuesday, members of the Powhatan wrestling community gathered inside the gym that Walter co-founded.
The father was a superman to hundreds of children at the Blackhawk Gym.
“Mike very much reinforced the values here all of us parents were trying to teach at home, so he became almost a surrogate father for those hundreds of kids that passed through the wresting,” Rob McMillin, with Blackhawk Wrestling, said.
Later on in the evening, hundreds filled the area outside to continue to honor Walter and share their memories.
“I’ve never met a person with a bigger heart than Mike,” said another Blackhawk Gym member.
The loss has hit the community hard, but those at the vigil promised to continue to carry on his legacy at Blackhawk Gym and in Powhatan County.
“We have some big shoes to fill; no one can replace Mike Walter here in this community,” said one speaker.
How you can help
If you would like to make a donation in Walter’s memory, you can mail a check to the state police emergency relief fund in his name:
The Virginia State Police Association
Emergency Relief Fund
6944 Forest Hill Avenue
Richmond VA 23225
NOTE: Place “SA Michael Walter” in the memo line
Or click here if you would like to make a donation to the fund via PayPal.
