Maureen P. Murphy Appointed to Norwood Police Department, Deepening Remarkable Family Legacy-October 24, 1984

Daughter of Late Police Chief James Murphy Joins the Force

The Norwood Police Department is becoming even more of a family affair with the upcoming appointment of Maureen P. Murphy as a police officer, effective January 2, 1985. Filling the vacancy created by the retirement of William F. Costello, Murphy becomes the fourth woman to serve on the approximately 60-member force.

A graduate of Norwood High School and the Northeastern University Law Enforcement Program who also served in the United States Marine Corps, Murphy has worked within the Massachusetts Department of Correction since 1979. Because her father, the late Police Chief James M. Murphy, died in the line of duty, Town Manager John Carroll noted that the Murphy siblings were automatically placed at the top of the civil service appointment waiting list. According to Patrolman Dean Raymond, Maureen’s younger brother, Paul, is next in line to join the department.

Upon taking up her badge, Murphy will serve alongside an extraordinary contingent of relatives already on the force, including her two brothers—Sgt. William J. Murphy and Patrolman Brian P. Murphy—and her cousin, Patrolman Neil Murphy.

A Department Built on Interconnected Family Legacies

The Murphys are far from alone in maintaining multi-generational and extended family ties within the Norwood police ranks. The department’s roster features numerous interconnected family dynasties:

• The Wall Family: Sgt. Richard Wall and Patrolman John Wall serve alongside their cousin, Patrolman William Wall, following the recent retirement of their father, Lt. John Wall.
• The Michienzie Family: Brothers James Michienzie and Thomas Michienzie serve together alongside their cousins, officers Robert Michienzie and Joseph Michienzie.
• The Travers Family: Brothers Sgt. Edward F. Travers and Patrolman William J. Travers.
• The King Family: Brothers Lt. Bartley King and Sgt. Charles King.
• The Bishop Family: Patrolman Paul Bishop, carrying on the tradition established by his father, Patrolman Albert Bishop.

(Photo: Lt Brian Murphy)

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger