David Speakman
Merlin was a good cop. He was honest, fearless, and understanding. The last time we spoke he was in the hospital and we reminisced about the time we were checking a burglarized building, illuminating the inside with flashlights. We separated and both entered a room through opposing doors. We froze there, flashlights in each others faces, guns pointed at each other. Merlin said, "Dave?" and I said, "Yeah, Merlin?". We put our guns away, took a breath and started laughing!! Thank heaven there were no crooks in there, they would have thought we were crazy!! There were many shared experiences, but none that brought laughter to us like that one. Wishes and prayers to Mary Jo and family during this difficult time. Merlin's suffering is at an end and he is with the Lord.