JOHNSON COUNTY, Kan. -- Plans are underway to build a new, permanent tribute to three Johnson County sheriff’s deputies killed while on duty.
Luke Gwartney can picture the memorial already.
“There are going to be blue lights,” he said, describing the place of honor outside the Johnson County Sheriff's Office. It will replace three pictures on the wall inside.
“It really shows what law enforcement agencies have to deal with every day,” added Gwartney.
The idea for a new memorial is Gwartney’s brainchild. The 15-year-old sophomore at Olathe West High School will build the tribute as part of his Eagle Scout project, which requires him to build something to benefit the community. 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.
“I think this memorial is really good to show what Brandon Collins did for this community and what he did for the sheriff's office,” Gwartney said.
The centerpiece of Gwartney's design is a “tribute stone” that plays a recording of Collins' life story. Right now, it’s tucked away on the second floor foyer of the sheriff’s office headquarters.
“I think having it out front, out in the open, will draw a lot more people,” Lieutenant Paul Nonnast said. “And remind people of the sacrifices that have been made over the years.”
Nonnast worked with Collins for 20 years. He said his friend deserves a place of honor.
“Brandon's always going to be here. Brandon's always going to be in our memories,” he said.
The memorial will also recognize Sergeant Willard Carver who was killed in 1952 while trying to track down two burglary suspects. And Detective Gerald Foote. He died in car crash in 1971.
“I can picture it in my mind, but it's going to be pretty darn cool when it's set in stone,” Gwartney predicted.
The teenager plans to gather all the necessary materials for the memorial over the winter and begin work in the spring. His goal is to complete the project in early summer 2018. He estimates it will cost roughly $3,000.
If you’d like to help by volunteering or donating, click here or email Treasurer@olathetroop83.com
-----
