ROCHESTER, N.H. -- One of the city's heroes returned to duty after a 16-month hiatus from the department.
Detective Jeremiah Murphy returned to the Rochester Police Department this week after being shot during the Greenland standoff last year.
"We're excited to have him back," said Chief Michael Allen.
Last April, while attempting to serve a search warrant at a Greenland home, Murphy was shot when suspected drug dealer Cullen Mutrie opened fire on the officers. Murphy was one of four Attorney General's Drug Task Force officers who were wounded in the shooting that killed Greenland Police Chief Michael Maloney.
Murphy was shot in the chest in the April 12 incident and spent two weeks in the hospital for his serious injury. His long recovery led to a much awaited return to the Rochester Police Department.
He was welcomed back to the department this week with an in-house ceremonial luncheon.
"The staff did a great job of putting it together," said Allen.
Welcoming him back were the department staff, the Police Commission, City Manager Daniel Fitzpatrick, Mayor T.J. Jean and Murphy's own family.
"The staff is happy to have him back and I know he's happy to be back," said Allen.
Murphy has been serving Rochester since 2004 and was honored last year for his heroic action in the Greenland shootings. He received a Bravery Medal as well as a Wounded in Service Medal for his work.
Murphy will be returning to the detective bureau next week, but will spend this week going through regular annual training and learning any updated policies or procedures.
"This week, he is reacclimating himself to the department," said Allen.
"I admire his determination and dedication to this department and city to be able to achieve a full recovery from an event as traumatic as what he went through," said Allen.
Copyright 2013 - Foster's Daily Democrat, Dover, N.H.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
