Graduating high school is a proud accomplishment for families everywhere. Though Robert Vetter would not let on, it’s a bittersweet celebration for his family.
“Most people you know they have two parents, and just getting through with just a single mom, just me and her for all these years, it means a lot,” the 18-year-old said.
Vetter’s father, DPS Trooper Randy Vetter, was killed in the line of duty in 2000, by a man he pulled over during a routine traffic stop. Vetter was just a few months old. Since then, he has grown up knowing an extended law enforcement family who helps serve as his support system.
Three dozen members of local and state agencies, including DPS, San Marcos police and New Braunfels police, filled rows of the gymnasium to cheer for Vetter when his name was called.
“We want him to know that even though his dad is not here, that we are here for him,” DPS Sergeant Robbie Barrera said at Vetter’s graduation ceremony.
“We wish that his dad was here today to see this accomplishment but he’s not,” she added. “But through our sister-and-brotherhood, we’re here to show our support for his amazing accomplishment of graduating high school.”
Vetter’s mother, Cynthia, said knowing her family was in the hearts and minds of people at the agency where her husband ultimately lost his life meant they understood the sacrifices she, Robert and Randy made.
“All these people care, and they want to make a statement, and they want to be here for Robert, and they want to be here for me and my family,” she explained. “So, I appreciate that more than I could even capture in words.”
“On a grand scale, it means that people haven’t forgotten” she continued.
Vetter said looking into the crowd and seeing those familiar faces was meaningful.
“Graduation is about being with friends and family, and law enforcement being here, they’re family too,” Vetter said. “So them being here means a lot to me.”
As he closes his high school chapter and looks on to the next challenge, he plans to attend Texas A&M University in the fall, starting in the general studies program.
Not surprisingly, he is considering a career in his father’s footsteps.
“I think I want to be a game warden,” Vetter mentioned. “I like the idea of being state police, and having the free range of one day being on the water, and the next day driving around the back roads.”
