Norwood police plan to display badge at headquarters
A local family is returning a piece of history to the Norwood Police Department. Dick Murphy served as a patrolman from approximately 1929 to 1944, proudly wearing the “triple-one” badge during his tenure. His son, Paul Murphy of Walpole, made the decision to return this badge to the department.
The badge itself is of the old-style “column” design, reflective of its era. It was worn with uniforms distinct from those worn by officers today.
Dick Murphy is preserved in one of the few remaining photos in the department’s archives, dated September 30, 1928. In this photo, he stands in the back row on the steps of the then-new Norwood Senior High School. According to the department, Paul Murphy recalls that his father cherished his role as a Norwood police officer but resigned in 1944 due to financial constraints. The department notes that Norwood police officers were not well-compensated at the time, and Dick had four children whom he was determined to send to college.
All four of Dick Murphy’s children did indeed graduate from college, a testament to his sacrifices, the department added.
(Source: Norwood Police Department)
(All articles originally appeared in the Norwood Messenger unless otherwise noted)