PGPD Remembers Fallen Officer Edward Merson

World War I Vet Was First Member of Department to Make Ultimate Sacrifice

Let us pause to remember our fallen hero Officer Edward D. Merson, lost this day in 1937 while responding to a call for service.

Officer Merson was born on December 17, 1890, in Laurel.  He served with honor and distinction in the United States Army during World War I.  Officer Merson was appointed to the Prince George’s County Police Department in June of 1935 and assigned to the Hyattsville station.

On the morning of September 1,1937, Officer Merson received a call for service for a car that was submerged in a pond with its passengers reportedly drowned.  While en route to the scene, Officer Merson lost control of his police vehicle on Baltimore Avenue, left the roadway, and struck a tree near what is now Muirkirk Road.  Officer Merson died from his injuries several hours later.

Officer Merson served the Prince George’s County Police Department for two years and was the first member of this agency to make the ultimate sacrifice.  He was the second law enforcement officer to give his life in service to this profession within Prince George’s County.

At the time of his death, Officer Merson was 46 years old and survived by his wife and two children.