NHSP Staff Sgt. Jesse E. Sherrill Honored At Celebration Of Life

MANCHESTER, NH — Thousands of people came to the SNHU Arena to honor and celebrate the life of New Hampshire State Police Staff Sgt. Jesse Sherrill, who was killed in the line of duty.

Members of law enforcement from across the country gathered at the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport where they boarded buses and were escorted to the arena. Several police honor guards lined Elm Street in front of the arena and Manchester Fire Department had a large American flag displayed from two ladder trucks.

Hundreds of New Hampshire State troopers came together in a formation next to the arena and marched to Elm Street where they lined up spanning more than a block.

About 100 police motorcycles from across New England lined the west side of Elm Street waiting for the procession to carry Sherrill’s body.

The officers lining the street were called to attention and saluted as the procession of New Hampshire State Police, and vehicles passed by the arena on Elm Street.

Law Enforcement entered the arena where 1,800 members of law enforcement assembled quietly on the floor of the arena, and thousands attending the celebration of life were in arena seating.

The State Police honor guard presented colors, and everyone in attendance stood as the casket carrying Sherrill was brought to the front of the arena. Sherrill’s hat and boots were placed in honor of him to the right of his casket.

Family members including his wife and two children sat in the front row, and members of a baseball team he coached filled seats behind the family.

NHSP Colonel Nathan Noyes spoke about Sherrill’s accomplishments including what a great family man he was. Noyes, who attended the police academy, with Sherrill, said he was well-liked, and a trooper’s trooper.

Three childhood friends of Sherrill spoke about growing up with him, and how they will always remember the man they called “Bigs,” He was a coach and dance dad as well as a dedicated state trooper.

State police has a ribbon on their flag commemorating every trooper who has died in the line of duty. A ribbon with Sherrill’s name was added by NHSP Lt Walker, the commander of State Police Troop A.

The State Police Honor Guard removed the flag from the casket, folding it and presenting it to Colonel Noyes. In an emotional moment, Colonel Noyes knelt on one knee in front of Sherrill’s wife Nicolle and presented the flag to her as their children Peyton and Quinn were at her side.

The State Police Honor Guard and pallbearers escorted the casket to the back of the arena as the NH Police Association Pipes And Drums played.

A procession of cruisers carrying troopers and family members left the arena and traveled to Barrington for a private burial at a cemetery.

©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news