The Lead.
Nearly one year after a Morrow County deputy gave his life to protect his community, he unites and inspires those he served. The parents of Deputy Daniel “Weston” Sherrer are honoring his life and continuing his legacy by creating a scholarship fund at Marion Technical College Foundation to help more students join the ranks of law enforcement. They are also funding upgrades at the Deputy D. Weston Sherrer Training Center for Marion Tech police academy cadets.
Community Donations Support Future Ohio Law Enforcement Officers
The gifts are possible through the generosity of the residents of Morrow County and others who donated to a fund that was established by the Morrow County Federal Credit Union to collect and hold donations. What the credit union officials couldn’t know was how quickly and how large the fund would grow.
Donating the money to Marion Tech’s Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) was an easy decision, according to Dan Sherrer, Weston’s father.
“We want qualified cops out there that are trained well and can take care of themselves,” Dan said.
“We also wanted to remove financial barriers to those interested in a career in law enforcement but who can’t afford it,” Weston’s mother, Julie Sherrer, said. “We can’t thank enough those who donated in memory of our son, and we hope they will be happy with our decision to use the money this way.”
“We all hope this will help someone’s dream come true that might otherwise not have come true,” said Phyllis Butterworth, Weston’s aunt and the widow of Marion County Sheriff John Butterworth, who also was Weston’s godfather. “Those gifts are coming back to the community.”
“Some people gave $5 or $10 at the credit union each week. That may have been all they had to spare,” Dan said.
Those small donations snowballed into $72,413.23.
Deputy D. Weston Sherrer Scholarship Fund Established at Marion Tech
The Sherrers donated $50,000, which was matched with $10,000 from the Marion Technical College Foundation, to create the endowed Deputy D. Weston Sherrer Scholarship Fund. Priority will be given to students from Morrow County.
New OPOTA Training Center to Benefit Police Academy Cadets
The remaining $22,413.23 will be used to create the D. Weston Sherrer OPOTA Training Center at Marion Tech Downtown, above the Brandy Winfield OPOTA Classroom. It will include equipment for students as they prepare for the physical and mental requirements of a career in public service.
Previous Donations Helped Cancer Patients
In addition to the new scholarship and training center, donors also gave more than $5,000 to the Spirit of Hope Fund at the Marion General Hospital Foundation to help cancer patients. The fund was created by Phyllis and John Butterworth.
Deputy Weston Sherrer Remembered for Service and Compassion
Deputy Sherrer was 31 years old when his watch ended on May 26, 2025, while responding to a domestic violence call. The response to the loss was overwhelming.
“Officers came from all over — even Canada — to pay their respects,” Dan said. “The line from the funeral at Northmor High School in Galion to the burial at the Marion Cemetery was unbroken. People were standing all along the way with their hands over their hearts, holding flags.”
Many local residents installed blue lights on their porches to show support for the Sherrer family and Weston’s sacrifice. Others put up yard signs remembering Weston; many of those remain in place today. Thousands of people came to honor Weston.
“One person with a warrant out came to a candlelight vigil at the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office,” Dan said. “Even though she knew she would be arrested, it was important to her to pay her respects to our son.”
Stories of Heroism Continue to Inspire the Community
The family described how Weston made the community better during his four years at the sheriff’s department. His caring demeanor and concern for others are credited with helping two people who were suicidal get help, as well as saving the lives of a woman and her children during a dangerous domestic violence call.
“Daniel Sherrer — you mean more than words can say to my family,” one mother wrote in a message shared with the Sherrers. “You saved my four girls and I… We will never forget the bravery. He had a gun. You never once gave it a second thought. You protected my ladies as if they were your own. You are a true hero.”
Those who knew him remembered Wes’s love and kindness. Dan said Weston treated everyone he met with dignity — even when he was arresting them.
“He took great pride in meeting people where they were. He was one of the most understanding people I have ever known,” Dan said. “He would even ask those he arrested what music they liked to listen to on the way to the sheriff’s department.”
Organ Donation Extends Deputy Sherrer’s Legacy of Saving Lives
Even in death, Weston saved lives by donating his organs.
In addition to the new scholarship fund, the college previously donated a scholarship to train a deputy for the Morrow County sheriff’s department.
“Morrow County needed another deputy. They had a qualified candidate but not the funds to pay for the training,” said Greg Perry, director of the academy and a former Morrow County deputy. “It’s a seat paid by another’s ultimate sacrifice, a debt that dollars cannot repay. Weston already paid the price. As a college, we saw the need in Morrow County, and we responded. It was the right thing to do.”
Marion Tech Leaders Honor Deputy Weston Sherrer’s Lasting Impact
“It’s an honor for us to have the opportunity to carry on his legacy,” said Dr. Ryan McCall, president of Marion Tech.
“What a beautiful legacy for a beautiful person,” said Ellen Messenger, president of the Marion Tech Foundation Board of Directors. “Weston exemplified the best of the best in his duty and commitment to public service with his extraordinary courage and sacrifice. Being a deputy was truly his calling. Those who receive this scholarship and the community will remember the lasting and positive difference Weston made in the lives of others.”
The first scholarship will be awarded for the academy class starting in August 2026, with the second for the academy class starting in March 2027.
“As long as someone is remembered, they’re not really gone,” Perry said.
How to Donate to the Deputy Sherrer Scholarship or Training Funds
To donate, go to mtc.edu and designate the Deputy D. Weston Sherrer Scholarship Fund or Training Center. For more information, contact Mike Stuckey at stuckeym@mtc.edu or call (740) 386-4147.
