'Hike For Mike' ALS Fundraiser To Honor Bucks Co. Police Officer's Legacy

WARMINSTER TOWNSHIP, PA — Tina Walp tries to get away from the pain that makes the tears flow, her heart hurt, and her emotions heavy every day for the past year.

She's taken a trip with friends to Lake George this summer. And she's going to see her beloved Philadelphia Eagles play in Tampa Bay this weekend.

But even when she takes these trips, she thinks about her husband Mike, a former Warminster Township police officer and Bucks County detective who passed away nearly a year ago, and his upcoming birthday in which he would have turned 69.

What occupies Walp's mind these days is the fundraiser she's put together in her husband's honor.

That fundraiser is called "Hike for Mike" and takes place at 10 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, at Warminster Community Park, 350 East Bristol Road, Warminster.

Walp hopes the fundraiser will be "an inspiring, family-friendly event where we unite to honor the legacy of Detective Michael C. Walp and provide hope for the ALS community."

Among the raffles are a Jalen Hurts jersey, Eagles tickets, golf clubs, a television, and a Kyle Schwarber Phillies jersey, among other 35 raffle baskets.

Walp said that 100 percent of the "Hike for Mike" proceeds will benefit those living with ALS.

Those who register by Tuesday, Sept. 30, are guaranteed a T-shirt and food at the fundraising event.

Click here to register and learn more information about the "Hike for Mike."

Law Enforcement History

Michael C. Walp was affectionately known as "Walpy" to his friends and coworkers. He was a lifelong Bucks County and long-time Warminster resident who died from Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS) on Oct. 8, 2024.

"Walpy" was born, raised, and educated in Bristol Township. After graduating high school, Walp enlisted in the U.S. Army. During his time, he began his law enforcement career with the Military Police (MP) division and received an honorable discharge in October 1977.

When he returned home, Walp was hired by the Warminster Township Police Department as a patrolman and would serve in their K-9 Unit and Narcotics Unit.

He was then promoted to sergeant and would later lead the detective division before moving on to the Bucks County District Attorney's Office as a detective in 2003.

He would remain there for 18 years before retiring in July 2021.

ALS Illness

Tina Walp said her husband's deterioration from the disease was "very fast," from finding out that he had ALS in May 2024 to his passing in October of that year.

During that time, the couple spent thousands of dollars on medication to combat the illness. Walp said the medication cost was $14,200 every two weeks.

She watched her husband suffer and struggle.

"It's such a horrible disease," she said in an exclusive interview with Patch. "I don't think anybody understands how bad it is. It's worse than Parkinson's disease and cancer. His mind was clear. But he was immobile from the neck down."

"Mike was a very proud man," Tina said. "This fundraiser is my calling. This is really what I want to do, to educate and spread the word and help others with ALS."

Walp said she will hold the fundraiser every year in her husband's memory in hopes of raising awareness and funds for ALS.

Lake George Trips

The couple had aspirations to attend a Super Bowl if the Eagles returned there following their 2023 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Walp went last year in Mike's honor as the Birds routed the Chiefs in a Super Bowl rematch, fulfilling Mike's Bucket List request.

Lake George was the couple's favorite place.

They took the trip to New York State every year for 17 years. But this time, Tina went with some dear girlfriends she has known all her life.

This year, she went without Mike for the first time in her life.

What Is Lou Gehrig's Disease?

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to loss of muscle control. It primarily impacts motor neurons, which are responsible for transmitting signals from the brain to muscles. As these neurons degenerate, individuals experience muscle weakness, twitching, and eventually, paralysis.

(Tina Walp)