[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 35 (Friday, February 21, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E148-E149]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING CANINE OFFICER MURPH
______
HON. MIKE THOMPSON
of california
in the house of representatives
Friday, February 21, 2025
Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Canine
Officer Murph of the Vacaville Police Department's K-9 Unit. I have
named Canine Officer Murph as the California 4th District's Public
Safety Hero of the Year for Solano County because of his extraordinary
selflessness, dedication and service to others.
Born on July 4, 2020, Canine Officer Murph began his law enforcement
career in 2021. Paired with his partner, Officer Chad Hudson, the two
quickly became the senior K-9 team of the Vacaville Police Department's
K-9 unit. Canine Officer Murph has been expertly trained to assist in
the apprehension of criminal suspects and the detection of narcotics.
Canine Officer Murph has facilitated numerous arrests, assisted nearly
every department within the agency, and worked numerous hours in the
line of duty.
Canine Officer Murph is also heavily involved in the Vacaville Police
Department's mission of community engagement. When Canine Officer Murph
was not actively patrolling, he and his partner conducted canine
demonstrations to showcase their unique skillset and abilities to the
public. Of these demonstrations, Canine Officer Murph's favorite
engagements are with elementary school students in
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the Travis and Vacaville Unified School Districts. Canine Officer Murph
is a favorite among the students and these visits have allowed him to
connect with hundreds of children.
On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, Canine Officer Murph assisted the
Vacaville Police Department with the service of a high-risk arrest
warrant. During this operation, the suspect, a suicidal individual who
had attempted on many occasions to harm uninvolved members of the
public, was confronted in front of his residence. The suspect was armed
with a rifle, and Canine Officer Murph was deployed in a heroic effort
to resolve the engagement without using lethal force.
Tragically, the suspect fired upon Canine Officer Murph and struck
him in his left paw, causing a serious injury that ultimately resulted
in the amputation of his leg. Despite his injury, Canine Officer Murph
was able to successfully detain the suspect and prevent further harm to
the public. During this incident, Canine Officer Murph displayed
exemplary bravery and demonstrated the importance of his specialized
training Canine Officer Murph is currently recovering at home under the
care of his partner Officer Hudson. On the day of his return home, K-9
teams across the region lined the streets to honor his service.
Mr. Speaker, Canine Officer Murph has displayed courage and valor in
all aspects of his work. His selfless dedication and unfaltering
bravery exemplify the highest levels of public service. Canine Officer
Murph is truly. deserving of this honor, and we wish him a speedy
recovery and many dog treats in his future.
____________________