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Two Former Officers of the Year Promoted

Published on February 28, 2024

Two Merriam police officers in full dress are flanked by Mayor Bob Pape and Police Chief Darren McLaughlin inside the Merriam City Council chambers.

With his family by his side, Merriam Police Officer Nick Weiler was promoted to captain. His 17-year-old son, Jayden, pinned his new police badge at the Feb. 26 City Council meeting.

Weiler is a 19-year veteran on the Merriam Police Department. He said he’s ready to take on this new position.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to have a greater role in the direction the department is going,” Weiler said.

Weiler started as a community service officer and on the SWAT team, then rose through the ranks as a detective, sergeant, and now captain.

“I’ve learned a great deal from the diversity of my assignments,” Weiler said. “What I like about this job is how every call for service can end up differently by just a minor change in facts or circumstances learned.”

Weiler’s main goal this year is to get the police department accredited with the State of Kansas.

Matthew Hirsch also was recognized on Monday. He moved up the ranks from master police officer to sergeant, with his wife, Aimee, pinning on his new badge.

An 8-year veteran of the Merriam Police Department, Hirsch said he’s looking forward to the new challenge.

“I gradually took on more responsibility and pursued my goal of being promoted to sergeant,” Hirsch said. “I’m excited to continue to grow in this profession.”

Before working in Merriam, Hirsch served in the Army and was a police officer in California. Now that he’s here, Hirsch said he couldn’t image working anywhere else.

“I love working with my co-workers and being a positive contribution to society,” Hirsch said. “The community is great, and I feel supported here.”

Merriam Police Chief Darren McLaughlin said Hirsch and Weiler are deserving of these promotions. The two were previously named Merriam Police Officer of the Year – Weiler in 2016 and Hirsch in 2017.

“The future is bright at the Merriam Police Department,” McLaughlin said. “I’m excited to see how these two leaders continue to grow our department and be a positive light as they serve our residents.”