John Merrigan

John Merrigan has dedicated his career to the Vermont State Police, serving in multiple capacities until becoming commander of their Field Force division – comprised of all uniformed troopers at barracks level.

He believes the heroin problem in New Mexico is unprecedented, given its potency and ease of purchase. Users are turning to burglary, theft, fraud and prostitution for funds which puts an additional strain on law enforcement resources.

Early Life and Education

John Merrigan was born on June 9, 1904 in Burton, Prince Edward Island to Thomas Merrigan and Teresa Fitzpatrick.

Merrigan attended school in North Adams before earning a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University in sociology.

After college, he worked as a pitching coach at Butler Community College in Indianapolis for two years, followed by becoming the pitching coach and recruiting coordinator at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa.

He was an active member of American Legion Post 125 in North Adams for many years and a well-known figure in his community. Additionally, he served as Trustee at Soldiers Memorial in Greenfield.

Professional Career

Merrigan has a distinguished career in law and politics. He currently chairs DLA Piper’s Federal Law and Policy practice group, which specializes in governmental matters and consistently ranks among the top tier of legal firms within this space.

He serves as secretary for the National Association of Counties, an organization comprised of 5,000 government and nonprofit entities. Throughout his career, he has represented clients in a variety of matters such as litigation and legislative policy initiatives.

He has an extensive background in maritime law, representing injured workers under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act and its extensions. She has presided over multiple trials and taken hundreds of depositions. Additionally, she frequently speaks at national conferences on these topics as well as being a published author on these areas of law.

Achievements and Honors

Merrigan spent 22 years with the Vermont State Police, beginning as a road trooper and ultimately serving as an undercover drug investigator and commander of one of their divisions. Since early 2018, he has served as Field Force commander, supervising all uniformed troopers, corporals and sergeants at barracks level.

His dream as a young man was to join the state police. Since joining in 2000, he has served as an undercover narcotics investigator and member of the Scuba Team, Tactical Services unit and undercover narcotics squad before earning promotion to detective sergeant.

In his free time, he coached American Legion baseball teams in South Dakota. His efforts led several teams to state tournament appearances and even led his Sioux Falls Post 15 West team to a championship!

Personal Life

John Merrigan’s life was dedicated to his family. He created scrapbooks for his children, siblings and other relatives while visiting Chevy Chase House – an assisted living facility in North Adams – often.

Merrigan’s memoir “Sugarloaf Street” contains numerous photos of his childhood neighborhood, such as Hotel Warren, Fisher’s Garage and what is now Cumberland Farms. Additionally, it recounts stories about his childhood and marriage – including meeting Marguerite A. McKillop of Belchertown when both were 13 years old.

Merrigan remained deeply engaged with his community through his work as a Greenfield Middle School history teacher and service on the Greenfield school committee. Additionally, he volunteered at the Greenfield Soldiers Memorial and enthusiastically supported Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign.

Net Worth

John Merrigan is an American businessman, lawyer and philanthropist with an estimated net worth of $730 million.

He is best known for founding the law firm Morgan & Morgan and has also authored several books.

His generosity is well-documented, as he donates generous amounts of money to various charities.

He and his wife Ultima have four children together: Katie Morgan, Mike Morgan, Matthew Morgan and Daniel Morgan.