LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Dennis C. Murphy, Korean
War Veteran 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, Dennis C. Murphy of Western New York, died on February 5,
2014; and
WHEREAS, Born in Detroit, Dennis C. Murphy relocated to Western New
York in his youth and attended Kensington High School; and
WHEREAS, A well-educated man, Dennis C. Murphy attended the University
at Buffalo, Northwestern University, and Loyola University, culminating
in his doctorate degree; and
WHEREAS, This exemplary man distinguished himself in his profession
and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his community; and
WHEREAS, Dennis C. Murphy spent his illustrious career in traffic law
enforcement as an accident investigation unit leader with Erie County's
Sheriff's Department, and as an instructor at the Central Police Acade-
my; and
WHEREAS, Prior to his career in law enforcement, Dennis C. Murphy
honorably served in the United States Air Force as an Officer during the
Korean War; and
WHEREAS, A respected leader in highway safety throughout his outstand-
ing 50-year professional career, Dennis C. Murphy worked on countless
projects, notably the Buffalo Bills stadium traffic route in Orchard
Park; and
WHEREAS, Affectionately known as Mr. Highway Safety, Dennis C. Murphy
championed safety issues such as seat belt legislation and the New York
State STOP-DWI program; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his five decade tenure, Dennis C. Murphy worked
under four governors to promote traffic safety, and was the proud recip-
ient of numerous traffic safety awards and accolades; and
WHEREAS, Dennis C. Murphy's commitment to excellence, and his spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including char-
itable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, A devoted community leader, Dennis C. Murphy was on the Erie
County Traffic Safety Board, served on the Governors Traffic Safety
Committee, and worked as the President of the Amherst Gaelic League; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Dorothy Wirth, Dennis C.
Murphy is survived by his son, Dennis P.; three sisters, Kathleen E.,
Melissa A. Burke and Megan K. Murphy-Hancock; and five grandchildren;
and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Dennis C. Murphy leaves
behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will
remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Dennis C. Murphy, Korean War Veteran and devoted
member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Dennis C. Murphy.