Berkeley County deputy honored after river rescue

The Berkeley County Deputy Sheriff Civil Service Commission presented Deputy Christopher S. Merson with a Certificate of Recognition on March 18 for entering the Potomac River and rescuing a distressed person during a Feb. 19 incident in Falling Waters, West Virginia.

John H. Alderton, the commission's administrative assistant, read the certificate into the record, saying Deputy Merson “demonstrated exceptional courage, sound judgment, and a strong commitment to preserving life” when he shifted from enforcement to rescue and swam to the person in the river. President Dale Buck presented the certificate and commissioners offered their congratulations. The commission recessed briefly for photographs to commemorate the recognition.

The certificate states that the suspect in a vehicle pursuit abandoned the vehicle, fled on foot, and jumped from the Potomac River Bridge before calling for help. According to the certificate, Deputy Merson entered the water, swam to the distressed individual and brought him back to shore, where medical personnel assumed care. The commission noted the action reflects credit on Deputy Merson and the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office.

No formal action or vote related to discipline or personnel policy was taken at the presentation; the recognition was entered into the commission record as presented. The commission returned to business after the presentation and continued with the published agenda.