Holly MatkinPortsmouth, NH – New Hampshire State Police (NHSP) Staff Sergeant Jesse Sherrill died in the line of duty on Thursday after his patrol car was hit by a tractor-trailer, according to the state police.
The fatal collision occurred on Interstate 95 northbound, just north of Exit 3, at approximately 12:33 a.m. on Oct. 28, the NHSP said in a press release later in the day.
The 44-year-old sergeant was working a construction detail in an area where road crews were installing a rumble strip when a tractor-trailer slammed into his patrol vehicle, WBZ reported.
Sgt. Sherrill was rushed to Portsmouth Regional Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries, the NHSP said.
The driver of the Lay’s potato chip company tractor-trailer was also transported to the hospital for treatment and has since been released, WBZ reported.
Sgt. Sherrill’s former coworker, Beverly Police Chief John LeLacheur, said any tasks where law enforcement officers are required to be on the side of the highway are among “one of the most dangerous aspects of the job.”
Sgt. Sherrill’s law enforcement career began in 2001, when he joined the Hooksett Police Department, according to the state police.
He was hired by the NHSP on Dec. 13, 2002.
On Aug. 13, Sgt. Sherrill was promoted to an assistant troop commander position within his agency.
“Staff Sergeant Sherrill was known as a ‘trooper’s trooper,’ a consummate, dedicated professional and a true family man,” HNSP Colonel Nathan Noyes said in the press release. “For nearly 20 years, he served the State of New Hampshire with honor and pride.”
The New Hampshire Police Association (NHPA) released a statement in the wake of the crash, saying “Words fail us on a day like this,” WBZ reported.
“This was a tragedy that highlights the dangers of our profession and reminds everyone about the need to travel with care and safety in mind,” the NHPA’s statement said. “Our best wishes go out to our brothers and sisters in the NH State Police during this difficult time. Sgt. Sherrill, we honor you and thank you for your service.”
New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu ordered flags be lowered to half-staff in honor of Sgt. Sherrill.
“He was an individual who nobly answered that call to service. And who was steadfast and devoted to the safety and well-being of all of his fellow Granite Staters,” the governor said.
A fundraising page established to help Sgt. Sherrill’s family in the wake of their loss has raised over $119,000 so far.
On behalf of our membership we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and coworkers of @NH_StatePolice SSgt Jesse Sherrill who was killed in the line of duty this morning during a crash on I-95. We stand ready in support of our brothers and sisters at @NH_Troopers. pic.twitter.com/XGfBcYem6T
— MassStateTroopers (@StPoliceAssocMa) October 28, 2021
Happening now:#NHSP escort the body of fallen Staff Sergeant Jesse Sherrill from Concord to Dover, NH.
Sgt. Sherrill was killed in a crash involving a tractor trailer on I-95 in Portsmouth Thursday.@boston25@NH_StatePolice pic.twitter.com/iopJYkhgZB
— Peter Wilson (@PetesWire) October 29, 2021
Right Now: Police from various departments line I-93 as we await the procession for fallen @NH_StatePolice SSgt. Jesse Sherrill. #wmur pic.twitter.com/5XlJNnVEhV
— Tim Callery (@TimCalWMUR) October 29, 2021
This afternoon, members of the Concord Fire Department & Hooksett Fire Department gave their respects to fallen State Police Officer, Sergeant Jesse E. Sherrill. @HooksettFire @NH_StatePolice pic.twitter.com/DyW0hkgvGI
— Concord NH Fire Dept (@ConcordNHFire) October 29, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of New Hampshire State Police Staff Sergeant Jesse Sherrill, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
