Bob is the second child of Warren and Ruth Mertz. He attended grade school in the Westmoreland County area. Bob attended junior high school and high school in McClellandtown in Fayette County, PA where he received his diploma from German Township High School. Upon graduation Bob traveled to Cleveland, Ohio where he worked as an industrial X-ray technician for Ryan Industries, a cryogenic storage tank manufacturer.

On September 15, 1966, Bob enlisted with the Pennsylvania State Police. He graduated from the State Police Academy on December 21, 1966, and was assigned to Troop A- Greensburg. After two months at Troop A Headquarters, Bob was transferred to the Pittsburgh substation where he patrolled the Penn-Lincoln Parkway until April of 1969, at which time the Pittsburgh station was repositioned as a Troop B- Washington station. Bob was then transferred to the Uniontown station where he served from April 1969-January 1985. During this time Bob served in several capacities including: Patrol, Traffic, Crime, Vehicle Theft & Safety Education, and Community Relations Officer. On January 10, 1985, Bob was promoted to the rank of Corporal and transferred to Troop G- Hollidaysburg as a Patrol Supervisor. In June of 1985, Bob was transferred back to Troop B- Uniontown and was assigned as a Patrol Supervisor. While stationed at Uniontown Bob’s additional responsibilities included Firearms Instructor, Peer Contact in the Member Assistance Program, Troop B Training Officer and Stress Management Instructor. Bob retired from the Pennsylvania State Police in 1995.

In 1993, Bob had the honor of presenting his son, Trooper Robert A. Mertz with his graduation diploma from the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. Bob’s twenty-nine years as a Pennsylvania State Trooper were substantive and rewarding and he’s proud to say he served. Corporal.

Robert Mertz has been an Oral History volunteer interviewer since 2005.