Officer Down Memorial Page

On the 21st anniversary of Sergeant Murphy's death, we honored his service in our patrol briefing by reading his entry from ODMP. Each day, we honor one fallen officer on the anniversary of their death so as to keep them in our thoughts, and also to remind us of the dangers inherent in our job. Sergeant Murphy is not forgotten.

Sergeant Zach Perron
Palo Alto (CA) Police Department
September 2, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the twenty-first anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Losing a beloved family member has to be one of life's greatest sorrows. I hold your family in my heart's embrace and pray for their solace.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
September 1, 2009

Dearest Mark, You were my middle son. You were my "rock". I could always depend on your word and actions. You always had goals and did your very best to attain them. As a little boy, you always wanted to be either a policeman or a pilot. You were taken from us all too young. I miss you so but know you are with family members in Heaven who went before you and since. The greatest legacy you left me is my relationship with Rose and her wonderful family. Love you always!!

Anonymous
March 25, 2009

I simply cannot believe that it has been over twenty years since that fateful night. I think of you often Mark and remember fondly the times we had together in SOD. There are two things in my life that I consider to be the greatest honors that have been bestowed upon me; when I was asked to select your burial site at Resurrection Cemetery and when I had the privelege of being your overnight Color Guard at Lee Funeral Home. Sitting there alone with you and reflecting is something that I will cherish forever.I shall never forget you, Mark. Watch over us,please.

Cpl. Patrick Morrissette, Ret
SOD-Prince Georges County PD
March 20, 2009

Looking back, I've always looked up to Mark, not just because he was my brother. He was a caring individual who did more for others than himself. After graduating from high school and leaving for Washington DC to take part with the FBI, he always kept in touch with his family in Washington State. The times that he flew back to Washington to visit my mom and myself at mom's house, he would start working on mom's house.

Mark through the one and only party during his high school years at mom's house. Because of that party, there were no more parties. I guess the party was off the hook. LOL.

I'm proud to be Mark's brother. I will keep his memories a live in my heart like I have done for so many years.

Kelly M. Murphy
Brother
March 18, 2009

Mark, when I found this website, I had to look you up. Even though we had lost contact, you became a good friend and roommate when we first met on April 6, 1972, when you had moved from Washington state to work in DC, and I had moved from down south. I remember the things you and I often talked about privately. You were so easy-going and non-judgmental and I always looked forward to our talks. I really missed you when you moved out of our apartment (Eldorado Towers). Thank you for being a friend.

Terry Phillips
Former friend and roommate
February 1, 2009

I think of you everyday. I wish you were here with me, things would be so different. You were a great Dad/Man, taken tooo soon. I know that GOD needed you; I just wish he left you with us to have and enjoy. I miss you very much. I know you are watching over all of us! One day I will see you again:-) Love you

Natalie Murphy Walter
Daughter
January 9, 2009

It feels like yesterday that your smiling face was next to me and at other times it seems a lifetime. 20 years seems like forever and at other times a day. I love you and miss everyday. Your life lives on in your family and friends. You were always helping someone in need, please continue to help our newly departed family members and fellow law enforcement brothers to the otherside so they may rest in peace with you.
YOUR LOVING WIFE,
ROSE

ROSEMARIE D. MURPHY
SPOUSE
November 30, 2008

It's been 20 years, rest in peace & watch over your family & PGPD.

Boomer

Boomer
September 1, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
February 18, 2008

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
November 7, 2007

Always remembered.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police
September 1, 2007

You were always a friend to those who knew you and a helping hand to those who didn't. When the news of your passing came to us, it struck our entire department hard (Town Of Bladensburg Police)as we had worked with you and your team on several occassions and you were always a leader. Your presence will always be with us, God Bless and May you rest in peace. Ed

Cpl. Edward carneal
Friend/Fellow officer
January 17, 2007

God Speed, Brother.

P.O. K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ
August 28, 2006

Good buddy, it's been 17 years. A lot has happened. I'll have a cold one for you tonight and save a spot in the stack for me.

Deputy Jon Sandberg (retired)
Kitsap County (WA) Sheriff
September 1, 2005

Dear Mark,
It's hard to believe it's been nearly 17 years since your tragic death. I remember relieving you at Circuit City part-time about a week before your death and we chatted for a few minutes. You were always a decent guy, a gentleman and good cop. Your presence and skills have been missed. Being in S.O.D., I've had the honor of walking for you at the F.O.P. 89 Memorial Service. God bless you.

Cpl. Tony Masino #1135
Prince George's County Police Department
June 27, 2005

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies....

Rest in peace, hero.

October 20, 2004

Sgt. Murphy,

Rest in Peace Brother...You will never be forgotten..Watch over us all from above...

Officer
NC
August 7, 2004

You are a true hero to us all for your service to your community and your tragic loss. God bless you and your family. You will never be forgotten.

DE
St. Louis City Police
June 17, 2004