Todd Elliot Walker, 38, left his earthly station on Monday, November 28, 2011. His sudden death occurred as a result of a profound cardiac event during a drive with his family. His last word was the name of his wife; his last action was applying the brakes, ensuring the safety of his family. 
Todd was born in Denver, Colorado on Saturday, June 9, 1973. He loved life and he loved the mountains. His early years were highlighted by a love of soccer, bike riding and sports of all kinds. As he grew, his adventuresome spirit led him to cars and dirt bikes. One of his first jobs was as a clerk in the emergency department at St. Joseph's Medical Center and he soon decided to pursue a paramedic and firefighter career. After finishing paramedic training, he worked for American Medical Response ambulance company and volunteered for Ripon Fire Department. In 2001, he became a full-time firefighter with Ebbetts Pass Fire Department attaining the rank of Engineer. He passionately served the rural communities and formed bonds that will never be broken. 
He leaves his wife of eight years, Laura - the love of his life, and their children Trina, Morgan, Katelyn and Elliot. He will become a father again in March with the birth of a new baby. He will be missed greatly by grandparents, Jim and Leota Odle; parents Domenic and Karen Ippolito; Rodney Walker as well as siblings Antionette (Randy) Geiszler, Tonya (David) Bowlsby, Aimee Walker, Joe (Lisa) Ippolito, Kjerstin (Ryan) Krohn, Kolby (Rachel) Walker and Annaliese Ippolito. 
A viewing will be held at Deegan Ripon Memorial Chapel, 111 Palm Avenue, Ripon, CA on Sunday, December 4, from 3 to 7 p.m. A memorial service will be held on Monday, December 5, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ, Latter Day Saints, Northland Chapel, 6060 Northland Road, Manteca, CA. Burial will take place at Ripon Cemetery, 320 North Stockton St., Ripon, CA immediately following the service. 
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Walker Children Education Fund c/o Ebbetts Pass Fire Department, 1037 Blagen Road, P.O. Box 66, Arnold, CA 95223. Deegan Ripon Memorial Chapel is in charge of services. On-line guest registry available atwww.deeganfuneralchapels.com