Trooper Ben Walker isn’t just doing his job — he’s setting the gold standard. For the fifth year running, the Indiana State Police’s Fort Wayne Post has awarded him the district’s ‘Top Drunk Driving Arrest’ honor, cementing his reputation as a relentless protector on Indiana’s roads.

Walker’s work pulled 62 drunk drivers off the streets in 2024 alone, an achievement that speaks volumes about his grit, focus, and heart for the community.

A Record of Relentless Commitment

If you’re wondering whether five consecutive wins is normal, it’s not.

Trooper Walker’s back-to-back awards are rare, even among ISP’s best. His name has become practically synonymous with road safety in northeast Indiana.

Lt. Corey Culler, Fort Wayne Post Commander, didn’t mince words. “Holding this title five years straight is a testament to Ben’s professionalism and effectiveness,” he said. “His commitment helps keep Hoosiers safe day and night.”

It’s a big deal — and people are noticing.

Digging into the Numbers: A Clear Impact

The numbers don’t just look good on a plaque. They tell a real story.

In 2024 alone, Walker’s 62 DUI arrests meant 62 chances to prevent tragedy.

For context, according to the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, alcohol-related crashes still account for nearly 25% of all traffic fatalities statewide. Every arrest made by troopers like Walker chips away at that grim statistic.

Here’s a quick snapshot of his track record over the past five years:

Those aren’t just numbers. They’re lives potentially saved, families kept whole, and communities made a little safer.

From Academy Rookie to District Star

Walker’s path to this point didn’t happen overnight.

He joined the Indiana State Police Academy in 2018, a move he said felt like “coming home” after years of dreaming about law enforcement. After graduating, he first worked out of the agency’s Toll Road Post — a tough, fast-paced assignment — before transferring to Fort Wayne’s Post.

Now assigned to Steuben and LaGrange Counties’ north zones, he’s become something of a fixture on the backroads and highways alike.

One resident, when asked about Walker’s patrols, chuckled, “You don’t mess around with drinking and driving out here anymore — everybody knows Officer Walker’s out there.”

What Drives a Trooper to Keep Going?

It’s easy to imagine burnout after years of chasing impaired drivers. But for Walker, it’s personal.

In interviews over the years, he’s spoken openly about the impact drunk driving had on friends and family when he was younger. That memory fuels him.

A fellow trooper shared, “Ben doesn’t brag. He doesn’t showboat. He just genuinely wants to stop the next bad thing from happening.”

At the awards ceremony last week, Walker kept his acceptance speech short. He thanked his family, his team, and — in typical fashion — immediately shifted focus back to the mission ahead.

Community Reaction: Pride, Gratitude, and a Few Cheers

Across Fort Wayne and the surrounding counties, locals have been quick to congratulate Walker on social media. Some even shared personal stories.

One woman posted, “Trooper Walker pulled over a guy who almost sideswiped me two months ago. I didn’t know it at the time, but it probably saved my life. Thank you!”

Another joked, “Ben Walker is like the Batman of Fort Wayne. Only with sirens instead of a bat signal.”

It’s that mix of admiration and gratitude that paints the real picture. Awards are nice. Lives saved are better.