Son of fallen deputy sworn in on same force as his dad nearly 20 years later

MARION, Ohio (WBNS) - Nearly 20 years after an Ohio sheriff's deputy was killed while on patrol, his son has proudly joined the force, inspired by his dad to serve his community.

Landon Winfield was sworn in Monday as the newest member of the Marion County Sheriff's Office. He was just 3 years old when his father, Deputy Brandy Winfield, was fatally shot in the line of duty in 2004. The deputy was killed while assisting a man whose car was broken down. The convicted killer is serving 40 years to life in prison.

Brandy Winfield's funeral drew law enforcement from across the state. His son says he's been dreaming of wearing the same uniform his dad wore ever since.

"I kind of took that as my calling. I want to carry my family's name, which I'm doing right now, and it's one of the proudest moments of my life. I think he would be pretty dang proud me of choosing Marion County to start out," Landon Winfield said.

His dad's murder left his mom, Sarah Winfield, a widow at 27 with two young boys to raise. She says there was nothing she could say or do to keep Landon Winfield from following in his father's footsteps.

"He doesn't want to do anything else, and what do I say to a kid that's his dream?" Sarah Winfield said.

She says seeing her son in his uniform made her do a double take because he looked just like her late husband.

"When he walked into the room, I had to stop. He looked just like his dad – spitting image," she said. "I don't think there is any better place for Landon to be than with the people who loved his dad and will look out for him."

Landon Winfield says he's excited about a career in law enforcement and carrying on the family name. He adds that it's not how his dad died but how he lived that he will always remember.

"More importantly, it's what he did outside the profession that really weighs heavy on me. He was an amazing human being. If you ask people, they will say the same thing," he said.