Former Padres catcher, San Diego police officer to be recognized for sacrifice in line of duty

SMITHFIELD, N.C. - April 24, 2020 - PRLog -- A San Diego police officer and former Major League Baseball catcher who recently lost his life will be recognized with a fundraising campaign from American lifestyle brand Shield Republic.

Shield Republic Charities has launched a "Hold the Line" apparel fundraiser for Officer Dan Walters, who died April 23 after succumbing to injuries incurred in the line of duty 17 years ago.

As a standout player with the Santana High School baseball team in Santee, California, Walters was drafted by the Houston Astros in 1984. He was later traded to the Padres, playing in the team's minor league until he was called up in 1992. After his second season with the Padres in 1993, he experienced a career-ending spinal injury.

When his MLB career ended, Walters pivoted to a new job with the San Diego Police Department.

Five years into his career as a patrol officer, he was on duty in November of 2003 when he was called to provide backup for colleagues dealing with an active domestic dispute on 43rd street in San Diego. That's when a man involved in the dispute opened fire, striking Walters in the neck.

Shortly after being shot, Officer Walters was then hit by a vehicle passing through the area. The combination of forces left him paralyzed from the neck down, confining him to a wheelchair for the next 17 years.

After struggling through years of recovery, his life ended this month at the age of 53.

Through the Hold the Line campaign in Officer Walters' honor, Shield Republic will sell American-made t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, hoodies, ladies' tank tops and decals; 100 percent of net proceeds from the sale will be donated to his family at the close of the fundraising campaign.

"Officer Walter was a real American hero who showed us strength in the face of significant obstacles," said Charlie Romero, spokesperson for Shield Republic. "Our new Hold the Line campaign in his honor is just one small way to help remember the legacy of this amazing first responder and American icon."

View the Hold the Line fundraiser page for Officer Walters at https://www.shieldrepublic.com/products/100-donation-hold-the-line-officer-dan-walters

Shield Republic's Hold the Line fundraisers have donated more than $100,000 this year to the families and units of fallen first responders, police officers and K9 police dogs.

For more information about the Shield Republic Charities, contact charities@shieldrepublic.com.