Lorenzo Marley

NEWS 28 - New Shire State Police Trooper is being honored a year after he saved the lives of 50 Braddock High School students when a gunman pointed a rifle at the students. Before the gunman could open fire, Trooper Nicholas Merrick killed the gunman with one shot to the head. He is being hailed a hero and honored a year later.

"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."

(Edited by Jackman30)

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."

RUFUS - The New Shire State Police now has a brand new Commissioner. Former Deputy Commissioner, Lee Adams was sworn in as the next Commissioner of the agency and will serve as the face of the agency.

"I am ready to take on this incredible office and look forward to connecting with fellow troopers, the community," said Lee Adams. "It is an honor to stand before you all as your Commissioner. I want to thank Mr. Marley for his incredible leadership these past four years. You are one of my heroes and I thank you for your tireless service to the residents of New Shire."

Lorenzo Marley left the Rufus Headquarters early this morning, en-route to his new job, something that has yet to be disclosed. But Commissioner Adams has expressed that he continues to seek guidance from the former Commissioner.

"I am ready for what lies ahead," continued Adams. "Let's make New Shire safer, stronger and more in tune, together."

RUFUS - The New Shire State Police has officially found its replacement for outgoing Commissioner Lorenzo Marley. Lee Adams, the agencies acting Deputy Commissioner was given the role, and will assume office on January 1, 2024, right on schedule with Marley's retirement plans.

"Our agency is really, really pleased to announce that the New Shire State Police has finally found a replacement for our outgoing Commissioner," said the agency in a statement. "He is known well around the state and many of our troopers know him as Deputy Commissioner Lee Adams. Adams will take over as the Commissioner on January 1, 2024, and he will then appoint a Deputy Commissioner."

The agency closed out their search by thanking all of the candidates who applied for the job. The New Shire State Police have also reflected the new Commissioner in their emails to all troops that he commands, which is every State Police troops around New Shire.

Governor Thomas Cooke says he is pleased with the decision and says he looks forward to the State Police moving forward under Adams' leadership.

"Lorenzo Marley has been a instrumental asset to the prevention of loss of life, property and damage to public civility and safety as Commissioner of the New Shire State Police," said Gov. Cooke. "His leadership is unmatched, but I know that Lee Adams taking over as the Commissioner will provide for an even safer New Shire."

RUFUS - The New Shire State Police have officially selected 8 prospective candidates to take over as the Commissioner of the New Shire State Police when Lorenzo Marley. The State Police however say they will not release the names of the candidates until early next month, when it holds first round of questioning during an Interview Panel.

"We have at least 8 candidates picked out of the hundreds of applications we received during the first 6 weeks of the applications process," said New Shire State Police Hiring Director Louisa Frank. "These candidates have been selected out of the others due to one or more of the following traits: Experience, Leadership Ability, Education, and other Categories that make them a suitable candidate. Their names will not be released until early next month."

The State agency says that it has been looking for a replacement commissioner since July 16, 2023, after the announcement that Lorenzo Marley will depart the agency when his retirement takes effect in early January. This will still give the agency time to find the perfect candidate.

RUFUS - The New Shire State Police responded to a fatal Car vs Pedestrian accident early this morning and the New Shire State Police the driver of the vehicle as severely injured in the crash.

"We were called to a Pedestrian versus Vehicle, a little after 8:00 PM. The driver who hit the "highway walker was seriously injured in the crash and the pedestrian was killed," said Commissioner Lorenzo Marley. "We are warning people that highway walking is 100% fatal. We've had two people die by highway walking in one week. Enough is enough."

The State Police says the driver is not facing charges. similar to the driver who hit and killed a pedestrian last Wednesday. The driver is expected to recover from her injuries.

"This is a reminder to all persons who want to participate in these dangerous activities, that if convicted, you will face severe penalties including involuntary psych holds and I will order state police officials to make heavy arrests," said Governor Cooke. "There is no need to avoidable loss of life due to stupidity."

Governor Cooke to issued that he would began working with both federal and law enforcement officials to began fortifying roadway access points to ensure that highway walking is squashed.

JNN - The New Shire State Police says that its current Commissioner, Lorenzo Marley is leaving the agency at the beginning of 2024, more likely on January 1, 2024, to focus on other interests as his 20-year law enforcement comes to an end.

"It is time a pass the torch onto another hopeful," remarked Lorenzo. "I've fulfilled my dream in law enforcement being appointed the highest ranking official in the nation's largest state police force."

Lorenzo was voted in as the New Shire State Police Commissioner on January 1, 2020, and will leave office exactly four years after he was appointed. He leaves after 22 years in law enforcement. Lorenzo says that he would still work with people, and says he plans on teaching Criminal Law And Procedure at the upcoming Towton Community College, that is slated to open in 2026.

RUFUS - The New Shire State Police has announced that Commissioner Lorenzo Marley has decided to step down as highest ranking official in the agency after 4 years with the agency. Lorenzo Marley assumed the role of the State Police's Commissioner on January 1, 2020, and says he "fulfilled the greatest honor and duty of his life."

Marley said that the decision comes as he reaches his 20th year in Law Enforcement a feat he said "should never have been accomplished, due to the nature of policing and the violence that continues to plague Jesstopia and the world."

"I am extremely greatful for the opportunity that I was given back in 2020, to lead such an incredible agency, and to be able to serve each and ever New Shiren day in and day out," said Marley during his announcement. "I think now, that it is time that I pass that torch onto another hopeful."

The agency says that he has been one of the most influential people the agency had ever lead it, and claimed that him leaving will leave a giant's legacy behind after all that he accomplished with the agency during his 20 year career with it.

The agency said that it is scrambling to find his replacement and says that a vote will need to be held on December 20, 2023, in order for his replacement to be able to take over for him by January 1, 2024.

JNN - A man was struck and killed by a passing car while attempting to complete the frogger challenge, and died at the scene, New Shire Police say. The man's identity has yet to be released pending notification of the family.

The State Police say the driver is not facing any charges and say he is cooperating with the investigation. The New Shire State Police and Rufus County Sheriff's Office are collectively investigating the fatal crash. The family of the victim say that they would like to get in contact with the driver who hit and struck him as a way to comfort the regretful driver.

"It breaks my heart to know that the driver will forever live with the regret," said the victims' mother. "Troopers say that he is in mourning for our family, but we should remember to pray for the driver. If I could, I'd like to meet the driver somewhere and give him a hug. I know he'll need it more now than ever. We forgive you."

It is reported that the fatal accident occured a little after 7:40 PM, with the first emergency services arriving within 10 minutes of the call go over the radio.

"I was first on scene," said New Shire State Police Commissioner, Lorenzo Marley. "The scene was chaotic. The driver of the vehicle was hysterical in his disbelief and guilt. He expressed that he never saw him until it was too late, expressing that he had slammed on the brakes of his car."

Trooper Rachel Olardi was second to arrive on scene.

"When I arrived, the victim was still breathing, but later expired on the pavement before life saving attempts were made to bring him back to life. He died at exactly the moment I had brought my CPR equipment. We attempted CPR for over 25 minutes before paramedics arrived," said Trooper Olardi explained. "It was just sad. He was a young man. My heart also goes out to his family."

The State Police and Department Of Transportation both admit, that safe guards are needed for not only interstate 330, but interstate 890 as well.

NEWS 28 - A Man, 22, was struck and killed while attempting to cross Interstate 330 where several people were arrested this week. The accident is being investigated by the New Shire State Police, as well as Rufus County PD, and Rufus County Coroner's Office.

"There is still more evidence and information that we need to collect before we make a statement regarding the accident," said investigators. "The accident however, was not the fault of the driver. The victim appeared to again be completing the "Frogger Challenge on TikTok."

The State Police had warned the public the danger the 330 Interstate posed for those attempting the frogger challenge. The challenge and TikTok are also being contacted. New Shire State Police Commissioner Lorenzo Marley was the initiating officer on scene.

"It was graphic and the driver was severely shaken by the incident. The State Police is partnering with Rufus County Sheriff's Office to investigate the crash. Criminal charges aren't expected to be filed," said Commissioner Marley. "This is tragic reminder that this "Frogger" challenge is super dangerous and we continue to ask residents not to partake in it."

The driver of the vehicle who hit the person is also aiding in the investigation. He is expected to appear in court next month.

RUFUS - New Shire State Police Commissioner Lorenzo Marley says that over 25 calls of people entering the New Shire freeway systems have been reported and over a dozen people have been arrested as the agency continues to address these people on the roads.

"It not only poses a danger to drivers, it poses a risk to our troopers, and the people walking across these highly active roadways," said Marley. "We need folks to stop doing these dangerous stunts. They are fatal and I promise you they will never end well."

Troopers from Troop A and Troop B continue to respond to these types of incidents and the State Police say "it is over these individuals and are enacting zero-tolerance policies to combat the influx of people attempting these stunts.

"Just yesterday, I had to arrest a man who was attempting to walk across the Southbound lanes of Interstate 890," said Trooper Rachel Olardi. "The man said he was attempting to complete a TikTok challenge, also known as the 'Frogger Challenger.' We arrested him after he refused to leave and then attempted to cross the highway again. These activities are unbelievably dangerous and sometimes end fatally. We will begin arresting people who enter these roadways and do these things."

New Shire Governor Thomas Cooke also expressed his concern for these hiking numbers of people trying to cross major thruways, freeways, and highways. His office authorized additional resources to be sent to combat this problem.

"My office is committed to keeping our roadways safe and not only does it go the way of keeping drivers safe, but it is also extended to keeping our troopers, residents, and road workers safe as well," said Governor Cooke. "Our troopers are now being authorized to involuntary admit citizens who are caught attempting to cross these major roadways as a way to prevent the unnecessary deaths of innocent people."

NEWS 28 - The 4 teens that disappeared on Christmas morning and whom the North Point PD and FCIS have been seeking, may have been found in a Lake West of Peach Tree City. The teens Ryder Notch(17), Sarah Notch(18), Braydon Sanoth(18), and Robin Shru(16) disappeared after visiting Lacosta's Bar and Grill in the early morning hours of December 25. The teens left the bar around 12:55 AM PM and the final text Ryder sent to his mom was received at 1:00 AM which read: "Love you too momma."

The teens weren't heard from since then and no one can get in contact with them. Police were notified a little after 1:20 AM, and Ryder and Sarah's mom called 9-1-1 to report them missing. Police were dispatched to the home of Marvin and Rhonda Notch. Rhonda placed the phone call at around 2:55 AM and her husband Marvin was not home at the time they showed up. He hasn't been heard from since the kids disappeared. A warrant was issued for his arrest and for questioning.

The bodies removed from the lake fit the description of the 4 teens who went missing on December 25 but the medical examiner needs to confirm that they are the ones authorities pulled from the lake. If the examiner says that it isn't them, they fear that they may have a serial killer.

"Obviously at this point, we are not sure if the bodies we pulled are the 4 teens that went missing on December 25," said Commissioner Lorenzo Marley. "We are hoping it is not them, but we also sympathize with the family whom these folks could potentially belong to."

RUFUS - As the New Shire State Police are investigated by the feds, Governor Cooke seems to be distancing himself from the situation altogether. The Governor who's governed on the premise of honesty and accountability. But why is he stopping that front now.

Under New Shire State law, the Governor oversees the operation of the agency, but has claimed that he only knew about the investigation as of today, but we all know he knew about the investigation since it was launched last year.

Cooke's potential bid at the Presidency is riding on this corruption scandal, and he could face backlash from supporters if it is discovered that he aided in the cover up, after several records went missing. The feds are seeking those documents.

In a tweet, he claimed that he only found about the investigation at 5:50 PM this evening, but many voters say that he is the Governor of a major state, he would know about the investigation.

The investigation has resulted in the subpeona of Commissioner Lorenzo Marley, Assistant Commissioner Lee Adams, several N.S.S.P troopers and other employees of the New Shire State Police. They will appear in court at a late date.

NEWS 28 - The New Shire State Police is currently under investigation by the Federal Crimes Investigation Service after records go missing, and no one seems to be able to find them.

According to one of our sources, the documents in question are linked to a federal murder case, and the FCIS, the federal agency that investigates these crimes subpoenaed Chief Commissioner Lorenzo Marley, Assistant Commissioner Lee Adams, as well as other Troopers who investigated the murder and who responsible for the documents, records and pictures.

The State Police has had a history of corruption and known for its cover-ups, but according to federal investigators, if they refuse to give up the documents, the New Shire State Police will likely be raided by the FCIS if the records aren't handed over.

President McCallum also called on Governor Cooke to direct the State Police to hand over the records through a tweet.

"The New Shire State Police should just hand over the records," Tweeted McCallum. "I call on @nsgovernor Thomas Cooke to direct the New Shire State Police to hand over the documents. I also call on Lorenzo Marley to step down as Chief Commissioner if he refuses to hand over the documents."

The investigation has been stalled after the records went missing.

RUFUS - The New Shire State Police has recently announced that it has invested J 88 Million Dollars in new State Police Vehicles. According to the New Shire State Police, the agency will receive over 300 vehicles each equipped with Radar, MDT and CAD systems, and a new lighting package. The patrol vehicles will be first delivered in 2024, and will replace existing vehicles that are due to be retired and older vehicles.

"We are very pleased to be afforded new patrol vehicles for our State Troopers," said Commissioner Lorenzo Marley. "Governor Cooke has been working hard to establish a contract with Jesstopian Emergency to purchase these vehicles."

The State Police have been using old vehicles which are reaching their retirement age, and with recent events, and increases in violent crimes, pursuits and other safety risks, the troopers need better vehicles, so that they can better serve the citizens of New Shire State.

The State Police is also expected to open a new Troop G Facility in North Point, New Shire in mid-late 2029. The State Police Budget has slowly increased since the late 2010s.

More details will be provided as they become available to us. The State Police has yet to announce their fiscal budget.

Rufus County - Several men whose identities are not being released at this time were captured early this afternoon on outstanding warrants issued by the New Shire State Police on Thursday.

During the execution of the search warrants, 8 men in total were arrested by J.S Marshals on arrest warrants pertaining to several crimes including conspiring to commit terrorism, as well as several others which have yet to be released.

Following the successful execution of the warrants, Federal Crimes Investigative Service agents found detailed plans to assassinate Jesstopian President John McCallum. Agents attempted to speak with the suspects, but they declined to answer any questions.

Agents recovered J 38,000 dollars in firearms, explosives, tactical vests and other protective equipment. The Nationalist House was also notified of these plans and the suspects arrests and promptly moved both the President and Vice President to a secure location will they will continue to perform daily duties that can be done remotely..

New Shire State Police are also being posted inside and outside the perimeter the Nationalist House's protective fence.

"Our Troopers will continue to perform duties, but with heightened security and authorizations" said NSSP Chief Lorenzo Marley. "the protection of both the President and Vice President and their respective families is our highest priority while investigations are underway." he finished.

As for the investigative piece, not much is currently known about the motive. The suspects arrested are not cooperating with police as of now.