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Merriam honors passing motorist as Hometown Hero, proclaims 75th anniversary
Summary
Mayor Bob Pape presented a Hometown Hero plaque to Jessica Compton Crocker after she helped a person climb down from an I‑35 overpass; the council also adopted a proclamation marking Merriam's 75th anniversary and recognized longtime city employees.
Mayor Bob Pape presented a Hometown Hero award at the council meeting to Jessica Compton Crocker, who a city statement said intervened on Sept. 10 to dissuade a person from jumping from an I‑35 overpass. Pape said the Marion Police Department commended her and the city presented a plaque in recognition of her actions. "Thanks to Jessica's bravery, a tragedy was averted," Pape said during the presentation.
Jessica Compton Crocker, who identified herself as a school counselor, accepted the plaque and used her remarks to urge neighbors to be attentive to one another and to improve mental-health supports. "I'm so thankful for God that he had me there at that time... I wanna encourage everyone. I'm a school counselor and I speak to kindergarten through 8th grade about the importance of being a neighbor," she said. The mayor also read a proclamation recognizing Oct. 23, 2025 and the surrounding period as Merriam's 75th anniversary and invited residents to participate in celebration events. Council members and staff additionally recognized employees for 5, 10 and 25 years of service and noted new hires in the police department.
