Officer Down Memorial Page

Although my great-grandfather died 21 years prior to my birth, "Jerry the Wise" remembrances/stories/newspaper clippings kept alive memories of his many years of valiant service and continue to enliven/elevate our family history. This Thanksgiving (2008) my mother (Patricia Murphy Derian)showed me the ancient photo of my grandfather Harp Murphy and Jerry presenting a shamrock to my just-Christened mother in 1931 (?); the men tower (both at least 6'4") over my diminutive (3 year old) mom. The original sham remains preserved in the photo case.
My older brother Mike Derian proudly wore my great-grandfather's copper and silver turn-of-the-century badge during his swearing in ceremony to begin his career with the Washington, D.C. police department.
Thanks so much for providing our family the opportunity to post this brief/strongly heartfelt remembrance of our heroic Chief Jerry Murphy; he died in the line of duty in service to a community he dearly loved and protected his entire adult life.
Our family thanks and remains united with all of the families of the beloved and never forgotten Noble Fallen.

T Craig Derian MD
great-grandson of Chief Murphy
November 29, 2008

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