Broward Circuit Judge Edward Merrigan Jr., a two-star general in the U.S. Army Reserve and longtime public servant, has officially retired from the military after more than three decades of service.
Judge Merrigan, who currently oversees a felony criminal division in Fort Lauderdale, described his military service as a deeply meaningful chapter of his life. “Being able to give back to my community and the country was a great opportunity for me. It is something I really loved,” he said.
Enlisting in the Army in 1994, Merrigan transitioned to the Army Reserve in 1999, taking on his first role as International Law Officer with the 478th Civil Affairs Battalion in Perrine, Florida. His distinguished military career included a deployment to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom II and culminated in his role as commander of the 84th Training Command, headquartered at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Even while maintaining his duties on the bench, Merrigan often traveled around the country for Army responsibilities, sometimes three weekends a month.
“All of us in the 17th Judicial Circuit have great appreciation and admiration for his service to our nation and serving our state,” said Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips.
In addition to his courtroom duties, Merrigan has made a lasting impact through his work with Veterans Court, which he founded in 2012. The problem-solving court offers treatment and support to veterans struggling with substance abuse or mental health issues, helping them reintegrate into society. To date, more than 1,000 veterans have successfully completed the program and had their charges dismissed.
“It’s a great opportunity to help veterans,” Merrigan said. “It helps them get back on their feet and become productive members of society.”
Judge Edward Merrigan was first appointed to the bench in 2009 by then-Gov. Charlie Crist and was elected the following year. In 2014, then-Gov. Rick Scott appointed him a Circuit judge. He was re-elected in 2016 and again in 2022.
As he steps away from military service, Judge Merrigan continues to serve Broward County in the courtroom, carrying forward his dual legacy of justice and patriotism.
