Chippewa County Sheriff's Deputy Jason Zunker died on duty while directing traffic in 2008. It was from a huge outpouring of donations from family, friends and the community that the Jason S. Zunker Memorial Endowment Fund was created.

Deputy Zunker grew up in northern Wisconsin. He met his wife, Lisa, at Northwestern High School in Maple, WI. He earned an associate's degree as an automotive technician and worked four years as a master technician before graduating from the Wisconsin Police Academy in 2003.

Jason was one of those rare souls who made the world feel warm just by being in it," said Lisa. "He always had a way of making everyone feel welcomed. His kindness was genuine- a heart bigger than words can describe."

Jason fully immersed himself in his law enforcement career and in a short time, he did a lot for his department. He was a firearms instructor, captain of the Chippewa County Pistol Shooting Team, a member of the emergency response, and special weapons tactical team.

"He really loved his job and loved helping people," Lisa said. "He would get home late at night, but he would always be so excited about something at work and couldn't wait to tell me about his day. Even though I would be getting up in a few hours to go to work, I never minded. I would love to have those days back."

This endowment is a donor advised fund that may be used to further education in law enforcement, such as safety programs and projects, scholarships for high school graduates in Chippewa County or Northwestern High School, who have been accepted into the law enforcement program at Chippewa Valley Technical College. Grant recoomendations are made annually at the discretion of the fundholder.

"Jason would be incredibly humbled to see that money was raised in his memory and be truly honored to know that his life touched so many people," said Lisa. "That kindness, that love, is his legacy and it continues through all of us."