WALPOLE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) – Two Walpole police officers were among law enforcement personnel from across New Hampshire recognized for exemplary service at this year’s Congressional Law Enforcement Awards ceremony.

Sergeant Joshua Healy and Officer Jonah Merkle of the Walpole Police Department received the Officer Richard W. Bateman Dedication and Professionalism Award during Friday’s ceremony at the New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Academy in Concord.

The award recognizes law enforcement personnel who go beyond their normal duties in service to others. It was renamed in honor of Richard W. Bateman, a Hampton police officer who died in 2020 and was one of the founding members of the New Hampshire Congressional Law Enforcement Awards committee.

The annual awards were established in 1998 to recognize exemplary service by New Hampshire law enforcement officers. This year’s ceremony was hosted by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan and U.S. Representatives Chris Pappas and Maggie Goodlander.

In addition to Healy and Merkle, the Dedication and Professionalism Award recognized officers from departments and agencies throughout the state, including the New Hampshire State Police, Rockingham County Sheriff’s Department, Manchester Police Department, Hillsboro Police Department, Gilmanton Police Department and Belmont Police Department.

Other awards recognized officers for extraordinary heroism and exceptionally meritorious service, including the Unit Citation Award and the Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award.

Members of the congressional delegation thanked the honorees for their courage, dedication and service to their communities, highlighting acts of bravery, life-saving action and selflessness among this year’s recipients.

The delegation also recognized the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers and their families and said the awards provide an opportunity to acknowledge the work officers do to protect Granite State communities.