ZPD captain celebrates 37 years of serving the community

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- After 37 years of service to the Zanesville Police Department, Capt. Douglas Merry is turning in his badge.

Starting his career as one of the youngest paramedics in the country at the age of 15, Capt. Merry started serving the community climbing the ranks through the police department, even serving as the interim chief for some time. Now 37 years, 2 months and 3 days later, he’s reflecting on his career of service.

“Anytime you can help somebody, when they call the police they’re not having a good day, somethings wrong somethings out of whack for them and when they call us and you can give them the answer they’re looking for and solve that problem for them and makes them happy and makes their life easier, then that’s very rewarding,” said Capt. Merry.

Of his countless jobs, Capt. Merry played a key role in the technological development of installing computers into the police cruisers. But as one colleague said, his legacy will be remembered for much more.

“Well I’ll tell you, anybody that can come here and spend that much time I mean yeah you’re paid, it’s a career, it isn’t a job its a calling that you either chose to take or you don’t take. Most of the people you see used to be happy to come do their 25 years and get out so if that tells you anything 37 years is a long time,” said Fred Buck, City of Zanesville Public Safety Director.

Merry said he looks forward to spending a lot more time in the air as a pilot, and of course, spending with his family.