Hundreds gather in Canton to honor fallen deputy Adam Sherifi

Hundreds gathered in Canton to honor fallen deputy Adam Sherifi, who was killed in the line of duty, as family, friends and fellow law enforcement officers came together for an emotional final goodbye.

Several law enforcement officers traveled to Canton for the service, offering a final salute to the fallen deputy and a show of support for his grieving family.

But behind badge 1805, Sherifi was more than a deputy. He was a son, husband, father of three and a beloved friend.

“What a wonderful person he was. That guy, he would light up a whole room instantly. He always stole the spotlight,” his friend Caden Hammond said.

Some of Sherifi’s closest friends prayed over his family and shared memories of their time together, including promises they made as young boys to always look after one another’s loved ones.

“No matter what happened, we would be there to take care of each other’s families, so Kyleigh, that promise still stands. Brother, I promise you with my dying breath, I will always be there for your family,” Sherifi’s friend Justin McCloskey said.

For Sherifi’s sister-in-law, Makenna Swallow, the grief was especially difficult as she recalled the last time she saw him.

“Last Sunday we were at my parents’ house for a fish fry,” Swallow said. “I had no idea that would be my last time seeing and talking to my buddy.”

Overcome with emotion, Swallow reflected on her time with Sherifi and the love he had for his wife and three children.

As the service came to a close, Sherifi’s family remained quiet in their grief, making their way to a private burial.

For those who knew him best, Sherifi was a hero long before the community gathered to honor his sacrifice.

This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC DFW. AI tools helped convert the story into a digital article, and an NBC DFW journalist edited it again before publication.