LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of retired Buffalo police
officer Richard E. Murphy, distinguished citizen, law enforcement leader
and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to bring full recog-
nition and just tribute to individuals who distinguish themselves
through their unremitting commitment and preeminence of public service;
one such individual is Richard E. Murphy, who died on February 9, 2011;
and
WHEREAS, Richard E. Murphy was born on August 27, 1932, and spent the
greater part of his life as a resident of the Buffalo Area, attending
Burgard Vocational High School and studying at Hilbert College; and
WHEREAS, This outstanding man showed his commitment to public and
community service through a life of sincere dedication to the welfare of
the people of the United States, New York, and Buffalo; and
WHEREAS, A veteran of the 127th Armored Division of the New York
National Guard and achieving the rank of sergeant first class, Richard
E. Murphy also served as a member of the Coast Guard Reserve, where in
1977, he was named an Outstanding Serviceman by the Armed Forces Commit-
tee of Western New York; and
WHEREAS, For 22 years, Richard E. Murphy served as an invaluable
member of the Buffalo Police Department; he served in various roles,
including: precinct officer, for accident investigation, radio communi-
cations, tactical units, and street crime; in addition, he was a confi-
dential investigator for the District Attorney; and
WHEREAS, Following his 1979 retirement from the Buffalo Police Depart-
ment, Richard E, Murphy launched his second career as director of secu-
rity for National Fuel Gas, where he remained the next 15 years; he then
worked as chief of security for Main Place Liberty Group and was credit-
ed with eradicating a longtime gang problem at Main Place Mall; and
WHEREAS, Richard E. Murphy's commitment to excellence and his spirit
of humanity, carried over even into his charitable and civic endeavors;
he was active in the Variety Club of Buffalo, the 100 Club of Buffalo
and Western New York, the Greater Buffalo Metropolitan Crime Stoppers
Inc., the Milton J. Brounshidle Post 205, American Legion, and the Lord
Help Us Chapter of the International Order of Old Bastards; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his first wife, Marceline, Richard E. Murphy
is survived by his loving wife, the former M. Elana Pollina; his two
sons, Marc and Kurt; and his two daughters, Lynn and Karen, who will
cherish his memory; and
WHEREAS, Richard E. Murphy was known by his friends as "Dick" or
"Murf', and will be remembered by all for a personality and legacy which
will endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory
to all he served, loved and befriended; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED. That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of retired Buffalo police officer Richard E. Murphy,
distinguished citizen, law enforcement leader and devoted member of his
community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, he tran-
smitted to the family of Richard E. Murphy, and to the Buffalo Police
Department.