Special Agent John Ben Merz

Special Agent John Ben Merz | Illinois Central Railroad Police Department, Railroad Police
Illinois Central Railroad Police Department, Railroad Police
Special Agent John Ben Merz

Illinois Central Railroad Police Department, Railroad Police

End of Watch Tuesday, October 11, 1949

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John Ben Merz

Special Agent John Merz was struck and killed by a locomotive in the Illinois Central Railroad yards in Champaign, Illinois.

He had just been involved in a foot pursuit of a hobo and was walking through the yards when he was fatally struck.

Special Agent Merz was a U.S. Army veteran of WWI. He was survived by his wife.

Bio

  • Age 55
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Struck by train
  • Location Illinois
  • Weapon Person
  • Offender Not available

foot pursuit, trespasser

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To fully pay tribute to the heroes of today, we first need to remember those who came before them and who died in the line of duty for it is those heroes who were the standard bearers.Your heroism and service is honored today, the 178th anniversary year of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

September 6, 2019

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