OLATHE, Kan. – A project is underway to honor fallen officers just outside the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, all at the hands of a local teenager.
Luke Gwartney is working on the memorial as part of his journey to become an Eagle Scout. He says the project requires him to build something to benefit the community.
The Olathe West High School student says he was inspired to focus on the sheriff’s office after taking classes at his school’s public safety academy and after the death of Master Deputy Brandon Collins last year.
But the project didn’t just start today. Gwartney says he’s been working all winter to get things in order for the memorial.
"Throughout the winter months, like December and January, I've been getting supplies and talking to lots of people about fundraising and supplies, getting volunteers,” he said.
Saturday was the first work day.
The project will honor deputies who lost their lives in the line of duty but will pay a special tribute to Master Deputy Brandon Collins.
Collins died after a drunk driver hit him during a traffic stop in 2016.
If you’d like to help by volunteering or donating, click here. Or send donations to:
Luke Gwartney's Eagle Scout Project
PO Box 892
Olathe, KS 66051-0892.
