Corpus Christi, TX – United States Department of Justice Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Norman “Norm” Merkel died in the line of duty on Jan. 16, when he suffered a heart attack while he was participating in a wellness program conducted by his agency.

Marshal Merkel, 45, was inside the federal courthouse when he was stricken by the medical emergency, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.

A federal courthouse security officer tried to assist him by performing CPR, but was unable to revive him.

Marshal Merkel served in the U.S. Army prior to his career in law enforcement, and joined the McIntosh County Sheriff’s Office after his honorable discharge from the military, according to his obituary.

He began his career with the United States Marshal Service (USMS) in February of 2001, and served as a criminal investigator until he was promoted to Supervisory Deputy Marshal of the Corpus Christi office in 2015.

During his time in Corpus Christi, Marshal Merkel was also the Gulf Coast Violent Offenders and Fugitive Task Force commander.

At the time of his death he had served as a law enforcement officer for 21 years.

Marshal Merkel leaves behind his mother, sisters, niece, and nephew, as well as many friends and extended family members.

He will be laid to rest on Saturday.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of United States Department of Justice Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Norman “Norm” Merkel, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.

Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.