Shades of Les Miserables

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We are told that back in the day an Anabaptist was fleeing one of the European towns where his kind were not welcome [they were not valuable tourist attractions in those days, but dangerous people who would not serve in the army or swear an oath in court - lest anyone think their stance on baptism was the sole issue - much like the Quakers in England]. He was hotly pursued by a posse of the townspeople.

Hoping to escape, he crossed the frozen river. Probably some of the pursuers turned back, but one kept coming - until he hit a thin patch of ice and fell in.

The wicked Anabaptist, inspired by some deviltry, turned back and fished the sheriff out. Upon which he promptly [you don't waste time when you are soaked in icy water] arrested the Anabaptist and took him back to town, where he was put to death as a warning to other nonviolent people.

Ethics of the sheriff's actions in this case?

Justice and Mercy are separate values

Justice is a word which basically infers conformity to social rules. The separation from mercy is dependent upon the set of rules acknowledged. In a purely legal sense justice and mercy can be separate. In a different set of rules, those based upon a deeply basic sense of decency and human compassion and basic fairness, justice can indeed include mercy.

well we should all be thankful that Inspector Javert decided to let Jean Valjean go and hung himself then because at least he had the last minute logic to realize that Jean Valjean wouldn't haved saved him if he was the bloodthirsty killer Javert thought he was for like nearly 20 years (i love Les Miserables its an amazingly enchanting book)

I would not think in terms of hero in this case. The whole thing stands or falls on the tension. Javert sans Valjean - rien. Valjean sin Javert - nada. Life goes on. The Bishop is important as a catalyst, of course, but they are the reaction.