ARCHERS, NEW SHIRE - A New Shire State Police trooper who saved the lives of 281 students is being honored for his quick and decisive action in shooting and killing a man who aimed his gun at 50 high school students last fall.
"I remember watching him pull up, aiming his gun at us, and Trooper Merrick, taking out his AR 15 and one tapping him in the head," said a student who was just a Freshman when the shooting took place. "We were all terrified and we knew that man was some type of crazy. Trooper Merrick is a hero. All of us could've died had he not been there. We love Trooper Merrick and there isn't enough thank-yous in the world to do it justice."
Trooper Joshua Merrick, 25, was hired by the New Shire State Police in 2022 and had only been on the job for a year and five months when the shooting occurred. He was awarded the Mayor's Award For Bravery Excellence.
"I was doing my job. I love those kids and I was not going to let anything happen to my 'kids'. It was going to be either me or him who died that day, not one of the students," said Merrick. "I would've been devastated if any of those students were killed. I'm glad that the shooter was the only one who died that day."
Then-New Shire State Police Commissioner Lorenzo Marley honored Merrick with a promotion to Captain.
"Trooper Merrick exemplifies what this agency stands for, and we couldn't be more proud to honor him today, with a promotion to captain," said Marley. "Imagine you being a 25 year fresh of Field Training, and responding so quickly, and eloquently to such a deadly act. He is well deserving of this promotion."
"He is a hero, and I know he doesn't see it that way," said Nancy Garner, mother of one of the students who the shooter pointed his gun towards. "He will forever be a part of our family, and we invite him and his wife over to all of our holiday get togethers. Without him, our son would not be here today. We love him. He is our son."
"There isn't enough words to express how grateful I am for Trooper Merrick," said another family. "He saved our babies, and he will forever be a part of our family. That day, we should have buried our daughters and son. He is our family's savior and I will be forever indebted to him."
On Monday, those impacted by the shooting, gathered at the High School, as did many community members, to honor him. High School Principal Marcus Ainsley, awarded the Trooper with tickets to see his favorite Spleef team play in the championships. He was also gifted 2500 dollars to a vacation of his choice.
"I don't deserve any of this stuff, because like I said, it was my job," continue Merrick. "I appreciate the gesture, but I would gladly lay down my life for these students."
"Trooper Merrick is a hero, and this agency owes him a great deal of thanks and gratitude for saving the lives of 50 High School students last fall," said Commissioner Lee Adams. "He deserves this recognition for his selfless action in this situation."