SAN MARCOS, Texas — As thousands of proud parents poured into the Texas State University Stadium, one family stood out.

About 50 Department of Public Safety troopers and San Marcos officers showed up at the New Braunfels High School graduation in San Marcos to cheer on Robert Vetter. Although they're not related by blood, they watched him grow up.

"We're here to support him since his father can't be, Robbie Barrera said. “His family is still our family."

Robert is the son of fallen state trooper Randall Vetter who died 18 years ago in the line of duty. Robert was only eight months old when his father died. Many troopers stepped in to help him and his mom along the way in his father's absence.

"It's hard to capture what DPS has done for me and not just 18 years ago when Randy died, but over the ups and downs of life," Cynthia Vetter said. "The support they've been able to give me and Robert is priceless and irreplaceable."

"Graduation is about friends and family,” Robbie said. “Law enforcement is family, too. Them being here means a lot to me."

Robert is now headed to Texas A&M University. He wants to pursue a career in law enforcement and be a game warden.