New Jersey State Police, New Jersey
End of Watch: Monday, November 29, 1971
Age: 32
Tour of Duty: 2 years, 9 months
Badge Number: 2393
Cause of Death: Struck by vehicle
Date of Incident: November 29, 1971
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Trooper Merenda was struck by a vehicle and killed on the New Jersey Turnpike while on duty in Woolwick Township. He was struck as he made a traffic stop of a speeding motorist.
Trooper Merenda had served with the agency for almost three years. He was survived by his wife and two young sons.