Three Generations of the Murphy Family Have Served and Protected-September 27, 1992

For three distinct generations and spanning more than eight decades of dedicated civic service, the Murphy family name has remained firmly and proudly synonymous with law, order, and public safety in Norwood, weaving an extraordinary family tradition that stretches from turn-of-the-century immigrant neighborhoods to modern municipal police operations.

A Century of Policing History: From ‘Stink Alley’ to the Modern Force

A framed, fading Boston Globe newspaper clipping from October 6, 1912, hangs prominently on the wall in Norwood Police Lt. Brian Murphy’s home, bearing the striking headline: “Four of One Family Policemen. Murphys of Norwood Have Done Their Share in the Interest of Law and Order.”

The historic photograph features four earnest turn-of-the-century Murphy brothers, with their brim-low police hats casting shadows over their eyes. Among them is Cornelius Murphy, Lieutenant Murphy’s grandfather. Back in 1912, Cornelius regularly walked the town beat through a bustling immigrant community known widely as “Stink Alley” because of the strong, foul-smelling tanneries nearby. Although those tanneries have long since vanished and the old neighborhood nickname has faded entirely into local memory, the family’s deep-rooted commitment to law enforcement has remained remarkably constant. Today, five grandchildren of Cornelius—representing a proud third generation of the family—serve actively on the Norwood police force.

Chief Jim Murphy: Nurturing a Lasting Tradition

If Cornelius and his brothers initially established the family’s law enforcement foundation, Chief James M. “Jim” Murphy firmly cemented and nurtured it for future generations. Joining the Norwood Police Department in 1943, Jim Murphy spent 30 distinguished years earning widespread national respect from his peers for his exceptional investigative skills and his unwavering dedication to “professionalizing” police work.

During his decade-long tenure as chief, Jim Murphy won the profound admiration and affection of the entire town that trusted him. Tragically, he died of a heart attack in 1973 after working day and night for a month on a double murder investigation. Even years later, Norwood’s old-timers still stop his children on the street to tell them stories about how their father helped them.

Before his passing, Chief Murphy managed to instill an interest in police work in at least four of his 10 children:

• Sgt. Bill Murphy: Appointed to the force in 1974 and is now a sergeant.
• Lt. Brian Murphy: Hired as a civilian dispatcher in 1979, appointed patrolman in 1982, lieutenant in 1990, and now is a shift commander.
• Patrolman Maureen Murphy: Became a prison guard in 1979, then joined the Norwood police force in 1984.
• Patrolman Paul Murphy: Appointed to the force as a patrolman at age 29 the next year.

Additionally, their cousin, Detective Neil Murphy, is also a Norwood cop. He said he was influenced by the stories his father, John, told about his days as a Marine MP, but he also looked up to his uncle, the chief.

Growing Up Immersed in Law Enforcement

Brian Murphy, the unofficial spokesman for Jim Murphy’s children, said there was never any direct pressure to become a police officer. Instead, law enforcement was like a bug that you couldn’t help but catch.

The third generation grew up immersed in police work, Brian said. They were conscious of their father’s profession from an early age, and that sense of family business was reinforced by their mother’s two brothers, who were police officers in New York state. Sunday outings often ended up at the mounted police stables, Brian said, or on one of the police boats.

Jim Murphy was always clear about his expectations for his children. “He let us know that there are good people and there are bad people, and that we were going to be good people,” Lt. Brian Murphy said. “You never wanted to disappoint him.” Instilling a lasting reputation for being “straight arrows” who held themselves to the exact same high standards they enforce on the public, the Murphy family legacy ultimately reflects a profound desire to make an impact on the world around you.

Reflecting on his career, Brian Murphy summarized the core philosophy that has guided the family: “Police work itself is made up of common sense and compassion,” Brian said. “You can make a difference in someone’s life every day. You can show someone courtesy or you can make sure somebody else shows courtesy. Without getting too philosophical, if you only get to be on earth for a short while, this is one way to do some good.”

Cornelius would be proud.

Original Article- ELIZABETH FARQUHAR Sun, Sep 27, 1992 – · The Boston Globe

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