Fund Est. 2001
June 18, 1972 to October 23, 2001
Officer Jerrold 'Jerry' Wyss Scholarship Fund was established with the Adams County Community Foundation in 2001.
Jerry Wyss, a 29 year old husband and father, who was a patrolman for the Decatur Police Department for four years, became the first officer in the department's history to lose his life in the line of duty when he was killed in a car accident on October 23, 2001. Jerry married Amanda Wyss in July 1991, and they had a son named Samuel.
Due to the generosity of this community , and the fundraisers for a protection fence to keep son, Sam, safe from a backyard pond, the many contributions exceeded the amount to complete the project.
With the extra contributions, Mrs. Jerry (Amanda) Wyss Sutter and the 'fence' fundraiser's collaborated to establish a memorial scholarship endowment in the Adams County Community Foundation. Each year, there will be a scholarship awarded to and Adams County student in honor of Officer Jerry Wyss.
As of 2024, 29 students have received the Officer Jerry Wyss Scholarship. To be eligible for this scholarship students must graduate from an Adams County high school and submit an essay sharing how they have demonstrated leadership, citizenship, and community service or involvement during their high school years.
Former St. Joseph students and current Bellmont High School seniors interested in competing for this award can submit their application before the January due date. The scholarship applications are reviewed by a committee made up of Jerry Wyss' family with final review by the ACCF Scholarship Committee.
Students should be proud to receive this award as it recognizes the students determination and strong work ethic.