HONORING CANINE OFFICER MURPH

HONORING CANINE OFFICER MURPH

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 35 (Friday, February 21, 2025) [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 [[Page E149]] 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. ____________________