Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman Murphy, it has been 86 years since you were taken from us. What a family legacy of love and service you provided!

New England law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices you, your family, and many others have made for us. Thank you for your law enforcement service.

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

September 13, 2023

My wife, Kelli's family has a long history in Newton, the city next to the town we live in. Her great uncle, Lawrence Murphy's story is part of the Murphy legend, and it isn't told often enough.

In 1937, Patrolman Lawrence Murphy was shot and killed by a robbery suspect. His colleague, Patrolman Henry Bell and Bell's partner came upon a gray sedan on Watertown St. near the intersection of Capital Street that matched the description of the getaway car from a recent robbery. They questioned the occupants and Bell stood by the car while his partner called it in.

Patrolman Murphy was immediately sent to the scene on his motorcycle.

Meanwhile, the female occupant of the car distracted Bell and disarmed him. She gave the gun to the male occupant of the car, who ordered Patrolman Bell to drive the car away.

Patrolman Murphy overtook the car on his motorcycle and forced it to stop. The suspect shot both Murphy and Bell. Patrolman Bell died on the scene. Murphy went down, but rose to his knees and shot the male suspect. The female suspect was captured at the scene. Murphy was taken to the hospital.

Patrolman Murphy died from his injuries a month later. He had served the citizens of Newton for 2 years and left a wife and four children behind.

The male suspect was captured a week later and was convicted of murder. He was later executed.

Today, Patrolman Murphy's niece and namesake (Aunt Lauren), his great-niece, (Kelli) and his seven year old great-great-niece (Jamie) saw the plaques honoring him in the Newton Police Department with my good friend and colleague, Lt. Bruce Apotheker, himself a tireless servant of that community. Chief Carmichael and two other officers were also there and gave us some of the paperwork and photos from the incidents surrounding his murder. We're going to scan them and pass them around to the cousins. Patrolman Murphy will not be forgotten any time soon.

Jimmy Morrison
married into the family

March 16, 2022

As this being the actual anniversary of your untimely departure I would like to reiterate my previous reflection and say that you are always remembered.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 13, 2020

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 22, 2020

Our mom Ruth was your oldest of four when you left this world and how proud she was of you. She told us many wonderful memories she had. We wished we could have met you. Love your granddaughters Janice Erickson Dussault and Debbie Erickson Gagnon

Janice Dussault

August 28, 2016

So honored to call you "grandfather". From the tributes I have read, you must have been quite a guy.

It must have made you so proud when your son and grandson followed in your path.

granddaughter

March 8, 2015

Grandfather,
Think of you often, wish I had the chance to know you , you are now with your only son, as Dad is with his only son. Wish we had a chance to share our lives with you.

Elaine Pumphret Murphy
Grandaughter March 7,2015

March 7, 2015

My Grandfather. Wish I had gotten the chance to meet you. Mom lost you when she was only eight years old. What could have been. You are missed.

John Quattrucci
Proud grandson

April 2, 2014

I came across this page in an effort to learn more about my roots and relatives. Reading this reflection gave me chills to the bone, and an overwhelming sense of pride that this man was my great-grandfather. Officer Murphy, I hope you are watching over us all, and that somehow you were able to see your son and grandson follow in your footsteps. Thank you for everything.

Ryan Donovan
Great-Grandson

January 21, 2014

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 76th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to be among the first to leave a tribute to you. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

May 10, 2013

Patrolman Murphy,
On today, the 71st anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your fellow officer for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Newton. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. It's nice to know that at one time, the state of Massachusetts knew how to deal with a cop-killer.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

September 13, 2008

Patrolman Murphy, it’s been 69 years today since an individual who wasn’t fit to shine your shoes mercilessly cut you down. You served your community to the fullest extent. Thank you for your efforts. Though it did not bring you back and there are many arguments against the death penalty, I’m glad your murderer was never given the opportunity to kill again.

God Bless and may you continue to Rest in Peace, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

September 13, 2006

YOU BE PROUD OF YOUR SON, HE FOLLOWED IN YOUR FOOTSTEPS,
WE THINK OF YOU OFTEN AND WONDER WHAT OUR LIVES COULD OF BEEN, HAVING A GRANDFATHER TO SHARE WITH.

LOVINGLY YOUR GRANDAUGHTER

grandfather

July 28, 2006

You are not Forgotten, Lawrence.

Rest In Peace, brother.

Officers and Members
Somerville, MA. Aux. Police Department

August 13, 2005

Officer Murphy....no fallen officer on the ODMP should be without a reflection. Thank you for your service & God bless.

Special Agent Dennis Duncan
Norfolk Southern Railway Police

March 17, 2004