NH State Police Trooper Killed During Work Detail on I-95

A 19-year-veteran New Hampshire State Police trooper died in a crash involving a tractor trailer on Interstate 95 early Thursday morning while working a construction detail.

Staff Sgt. Jesse Sherrill was struck and killed on near Exit 3 around 12:33 a.m. by the truck while working a detail while crews installed rumble strips on the shoulder of the northbound lanes, according to State Police Col. Nate Noyes.

Sherrill, the Assistant Troop commander of the Troop A in Epping, was taken to Portsmouth Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The driver was treated and released from Portsmouth Regional Hospital. No charges have been filed in the crash.

Noyes asked for anyone with information about the crash to contact them at 603-223-4381.

The crash will be investigated by Maine State Police at the request of NH State Police.

Mourning the Loss of a Trooper

Gov. Chris Sununu ordered all state flags to be flown at half staff effective immediately in his honor through Sunday and extended condolences to Sherrill's family and fellow officers.

"He was an individual who nobly answered that call to service. He was steadfast and devoted to the safety and well being of his fellow Granite Staters," Sununu said.

"Staff Sergeant Sherrill was an incredible member of the law enforcement community and, more importantly, a loving husband, father, son and brother," Attorney General John M. Formella said in a statement. "This morning’s tragic events are a reminder that our men and women in law enforcement put their lives on the line every time they go to work."

"I’m heartbroken to learn NH State Police Sgt. Jesse Sherrill was killed early this morning in the line of duty. My thoughts go out to his wife & children, the NH State Police & the LEO community. This is a sobering reminder of the risks officers take to keep our communities safe," Sen. Jeanne Shaheen said in a tweet.

Maine Gov. Janet Mills also extended condolences during an event on Thursday morning, according to NewsCenter Maine.

Noyes called Sherrill a "trooper's trooper," a consummate professional and true family man.

Sherrill began his law enforcement career with Hooksett Police in 2001 and joined NH State Police in 2002.  He served in a variety of assignments and was promoted to Assistant Troop Commander in August.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNH