Walter Otte was born in Union City, New Jersey on June 7, 1908. He graduated from Emerson High School in Union City and attended Hobart College of Geneva, New York for two years. Before joining the New Jersey State Police, he was employed as a Trade Broker on Wall Street in New York City. He resided in Secaucus, Hudson County, New Jersey.

Trooper Otte enlisted with the New Jersey State Police on August 15, 1938 as a member of the 27th State Police Class. His service with the Department was characterized by loyalty, fearless performance of duty and faithful and energetic devotion to the principles of the New Jersey State Police.

Trooper Otte died as a result of injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident while in the performance of his duty.

At approximately 11:40 or 11:45 A.M. on January 24, 1940, Trooper Otte was on motorcycle patrol on Great Meadows-Hope Road at Jenny Jump Mountain, in Hope Township, Warren County, New Jersey. The accident occurred while he was travelling on a downgrade and curve in the direction of the town of Hope. The cycle struck the abutment of a drainage ditch along the side of the road. The rear part of the motorcycle landed on the slope of the hill and the front wheel remained in the ditch at the abutment. Trooper Otte was thrown approximately 6 feet from the abutment. The entire right side of his face was severely bruised with brush burns and a few lacerations. He was found lying near his cycle, unconscious.

Trooper Otte was taken to Newton Hospital and he was admitted at 1:15 P.M.. He was found to be suffering from a severe fracture at the base of his skull. Trooper Otte never regained consciousness and he died at 2:25 P.M.

Trooper Otte served 1 year and 5 months with the New Jersey State Police and was survived by his wife. He was 32 years old.