The Lead.

The family of fallen Morrow County Deputy D. Weston Sherrer helped unveil the new training center named in his honor at Marion Technical College. On Oct. 14, law enforcement officers and police academy cadets joined the family in cutting the ribbon for the training center at Marion Tech Downtown, located at 107 N. Main St.

Remembering Deputy Weston Sherrer

From left to right: Dan and Julie Sherrer and Phyllis Butterworth

“My son loved his job. He wanted to serve since he was five. He was one of those kids who followed their dream,” Dan Sherrer said. “We knew we had to honor his legacy.”

Deputy Sherrer died on May 26, 2025, while responding to a domestic violence call.

“Weston was a great kid. He made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Phyllis Butterworth, Weston’s aunt. “This is a way to honor Weston. For our family, it means everything.”

“Deputy Sherrer showed up when it mattered most. What’s amazing is that the community has showed up for the family to recognize his dedication and devotion to his job,” said Ryan McCall, president of Marion Tech.

A Shared Legacy: Deputy Brandy Winfield

Greg Perry and the Sherrer family inside the Brandy Winfield Classroom with cadets.

The ceremony fell on the 22nd anniversary of the death of Marion County Deputy Brandy Winfield, who also died in the line of duty.

“Students and the other law enforcement agencies we train here at Marion Tech will know and remember Weston. Like his brother in arms, Brandy Winfield, his legacy and impact will live on and touch countless others for years to come,” said Greg Perry, a Marion County sheriff’s deputy and commander of the academy. “We need to preserve their memory in the same way they served us: with honor, integrity and courage.”

“We honor Weston’s sacrifice,” said Morrow County Sheriff John Hinton. “We need more deputies like him.”

Community Donations Fund Training Center

After Weston’s death, individuals and businesses from Morrow County and from around the state made donations in his memory.

“The bulk of those donations came in as $5 or $10 gifts from people who did not have much to give. And those were the people of Morrow County that Weston served, who wanted to do the best they could to help his family and gave from the heart,” Perry said.

“While our family will continue to support both the scholarship and training center, we never ever will forget what everyday people did to raise that money. We always want to be sure and honor that,” Butterworth said.

Local funds raised to honor Winfield’s memory paid for mats and training equipment for cadets. The $22,413.23 donated for the training center will fund renovations, including showers and other equipment cadets need as they train and meet physical fitness standards. The Sherrers encouraged the community to continue giving.

“These students have a desire to protect and serve. These officers have a desire to be there for people on their worst day. It fills me with hope for the future,” Butterworth said. “Turning pain and grief into helping others helps you move forward.”

Scholarship for Marion Tech Police Academy Cadets

The Sherrers also used $54,778 of the donated funds for a scholarship for an academy student in Weston’s memory. Priority is given to an applicant from Morrow County. Individuals, local businesses, and fundraisers such as pancake breakfasts and poker runs contributed to the effort, and the Marion Tech Foundation matched it with an additional $10,000.

“We saw this huge outpouring of support from our small community and around the state,” Dan said. “Thank you to everyone who donated time and treasure to honor my son. This is special. My son will have a legacy because of people who gave.”

“My hope today is that you will always remember my nephew and support him and his legacy by donating to these projects,” Butterworth said.

How to Donate to the Training Center or Scholarship Fund

For more information, or to make a donation for either the training center or the scholarship fund in Weston’s memory, go to the Marion Tech Foundation donation page and designate your gift in the note.

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