'Mike' Remembered For 2nd Hike In Warminster

WARMINSTER TOWNSHIP, PA — For Tina Walp, it's all about Mike.

As the days near toward Saturday, Walp is on full throttle, getting set for her second annual "Hike for Mike," a fundraiser for her late husband Mike.

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Known as "Walpy," Michael C. Walp was a former Warminster Township police officer and Bucks County detective who passed away on Oct. 8, 2024, from ALS.

"This is an inspiring, family friendly event where we unite to honor the legacy of Detective Michael C. Walp and provide hope for the ALS community," Tina Walp told Patch.

The 2nd Annual "Hike for Mike" takes place at 10 a.m. on Saturday at Warminster Community Park, 350 East Bristol Road.

All of the proceeds will benefit those living with ALS, known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, which involves the degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons, resulting in progressive loss of voluntary muscle control.

The fundraiser has hit $19,000 in donations so far this year.

Registration is open until 9 p.m. on Friday. Walk-Ins are welcome on the day of the event also. Click here to register or donate

This year's "Hike for Mike" will feature the band "August," Comedian/Ventriloquist Taylor Mason, Bouncy House by "Bounce Around Bucks," face painter Charmaine "Charmed Face Painting," and balloon artists Peg & Arlen.

"Mike dedicated four decades of public safety to our country and county, as a U.S. Army MP and as a Warminster Township police officer and detective sergeant," said the Bucks County District Attorney's Office, where "Walpy" served as a detective from 2003 before retiring in July 2021. "To anyone who worked with him, Mike was truly one of the greats: a dedicated investigator, trusted colleague, and selfless public servant."

Walp was born, raised and educated in Bristol Township. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army.

Walp began his law enforcement career with the Military Police (MP) division and received an honorable discharge in October 1977.

When he returned home, he was hired by the Warminster Township Police Department as a patrolman and then served in the K-9 and Narcotics units.

He was then promoted to Sergeant and would eventually lead the detective division for Warminster Township.

For Tina Walp, while the mourning remains, her efforts to help raise funds drives her to honor her husband's memory.

"This fundraiser is my calling," Walp said. "This is really what I want to do, to educate and spread the word and help others with ALS."