Fourteen years ago, Marion County Sheriff’s Deputy Brandy Winfield was dispatched to check on a disabled vehicle on Oct. 14, 2004, when he was shot and killed. He was found in his patrol car, which was upside down in a ravine along the roadway. He was just 29 years old and left behind a wife and two young boys.

Now in his senior year of high school, Deputy Winfield’s oldest son Landon plans to start training to become a law enforcement officer after graduation.

“A lot of people ask me, ‘Why in the world would you want to be a police officer after your dad got shot and killed being one?’” Landon said.“I just tell them I want to help people. That’s all I want to do.”

Landon was just 3 years old when his father was killed and he said it’s difficult to remember him.

“The only thing I have no is stories people tell me, and that’s basically all I can go off of,” he said.

Landon has known for a while that he wants to answer the same call of duty his father did.

“Probably since I was in 5th grade, it just kind of hit me like, it’s in my blood, that’s what I want to do,” he explained.

Along the way, Landon and his family have worked with Lt. Mark Elliott and K-9 Six from the Marion Police Department to help him prepare for his future career.

“His dad was a hero, so we’re going to be here for him as long as he needs us, and we’re going to help him with whatever he needs,” Lt. Elliott said. “Same with his brother.”

K-9 Six is actually named after Landon’s father.

“Brandy’s unit number was 5106, so unit number 6, cover my back, watching my 6…so, it fit and that’s what we went with,” Lt. Elliot explained.

It’s a simple honor that means the world to Landon.

“I love that dog with my heart and all of it,” he said. “And he’s part of my family, too, I can tell you that right now.”

The entire law enforcement community in Marion County is making it a priority to stand behind the Winfields.

“I’m not saying we’re filling that void [Brandy left behind], but everyone tries,” Lt. Elliott said.

For now, Landon will continue to train and prepare for his future as a police officer.