MOUNT VERNON — The brotherhood of first responders, which transcends gender, uniform color, or role within the community was never more evident than on Saturday when the Heroes Softball Tournament took place at Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
In its fourth year of supporting PAC International, the decision was made this year to dedicate the event to Weston Sherrer, the 31-year-old Morrow County Deputy killed in the line of duty on May 26.
“A couple of my guys came to me and said they would like to dedicate this year’s softball game to Weston and his family,” Mount Vernon Police Chief, Robert (Kitt) Morgan explained. “We got in touch with the family because we wanted to make sure this was done with the family’s blessing.”
Thoughts from mom & dad
Daniel Sherrer, Weston’s father, stood behind the first base dugout and fought tears.
“It means everything. Weston would be so proud of this moment, his brothers and sisters here,” Daniel Sherrer said. “It is extremely special. That is the best way to put it.”
When the family was first notified of the intent to honor their son, it was a glimmer of light in an otherwise dark period for the Sherrers.
“This was one of the happiest events I heard of because it was first responders,” the senior Sherrer said. “It is his family, his second family.”
Julie Sherrer, Weston’s mother. was overwhelmed as she realized that the family is not alone in their grief.
“The outpouring of support from … oh my gosh, just look,” she said as she surveyed the Police Officers, Firefighters and State Highway Patrol troopers playing softball in her son’s name.
“We’re just astounded by everybody. Everybody’s so wonderful. It’s incredible.”
Assistant Police Chief, Andy Burns, who has been one of the organizers of the event since its inception, explained the general purpose of the event.
“This is our outreach to young people through the Police Department,” Burn said. “It has been a huge success, and we look forward to watching it grow.”
Burns echoed his chief’s remarks when speaking about the Sherrers.
“The family has been so gracious in being willing to come out and be a part of the opening ceremonies and work with us,” he said.
Starr reflects on event
“One of the things that is so special about Mount Vernon, especially the Public Safety Departments, is the camaraderie,” Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr said. “Knowing they have each other’s backs and then sometimes it is nice to have a little friendly competition.”
The mayor believes these events serve another purpose.
“These make us stronger, it brings us together and that is really what we are after,” he said.
“Things like this where we take a moment to remember one of our fallen heroes, maybe not from THIS community, but from the law enforcement community.”
Thinking about the slain deputy, the Mayor added, “he would have loved to have been a part of this. These events are our way of keeping his memory alive.”
The event included a food trailer, bounce house for the little ones, some T-ball and family entertainment.
More important than any of the final scores was the ability to personalize, putting a face and family with one of the 65 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty in the United States this year.