On December 5, 2025, Walpole Police Officers Joshua Healy and Jonah Merkle responded to a call to locate a missing person. They quickly realized that this was not simply a search for a missing individual—the person was likely injured and in urgent need of assistance.

Within a very short time, Officers Healy and Merkle located the individual lying in the Cold River and suffering from severe hypothermia. Thanks to their quick response and the efforts of the Walpole EMS team, the individual was rescued, transported to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, and ultimately made a full recovery.

On September 25, 2026, Officers Healy and Merkle will receive the New Hampshire Congressional Law Enforcement Award. This award recognizes law enforcement officers who go above and beyond their normal duties in service to others and is presented by members of New Hampshire’s congressional delegation.

Please join me in congratulating Officers Joshua Healy and Jonah Merkle on this well-deserved recognition and thanking them for their dedication, professionalism, and service to the citizens of Walpole.

Steve Dalessio

Tagged: COMMUNITY NEWS, police