T-shirts to memorialize Deputy Pickett, help fund Washington trip

LEBANON, Ind. (WISH) — The Boone County Sheriff’s Office is planning a trip to Washington, D.C., to honor a fallen deputy.

A T-shirt being sold for $20 is helping to pay for the trip. 

It has been nearly a year since Deputy Jacob Pickett was killed in the line of duty. His name will be unveiled in May on a memorial for fallen officers in the nation’s capital during National Police Week. His coworkers want to see it in person. 

“Every day when we go out and on our jobs, we are honoring him in that way,” sheriff’s Capt. Mike Beard said. “Just remembering him and remembering what he was for.”

This year’s National Police Week will be May 12-18. The department is planning the trip, but a Maryland-based company wants to help cover the bill. 

Morgen Bona of Maryland-based Barbells and Badges said the proceeds from the sale of the T-shirt honoring Deputy Pickett will go to the sheriff’s office. Information on buying the shirt is online.

The company runs similar fundraisers for officers across the country. 

“We know how much this means to families and to departments,” Bona said.

Pickett has been described as once being a loving husband and dad to two boys.  The shirt displays a reference a Bible verse, John 15:13, which states, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

One of Pickett’s best friends — his police dog, Brick — might make the trip to D.C. in May. Brick stays with Deputy Pickett’s family. 

“I believe they are trying to get Brick there, yes,” Beard said.