Special Agent John Ben Merz, 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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Most Recent Reflection

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Agent Merz,
On today, the 75th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army as a member of the 21st Engineers in Europe during World War I. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

October 11, 2024