Fallen Phoenix Police Officer Remembered

June 4, 2010
by botbglobal
.PHOENIX –

Hundreds of mourners packed a Peoria church Wednesday to pay their respects to slain Phoenix police Officer Travis Murphy.

Fellows officers described 29-year-old Murphy as the definition of a hero during the funeral service at the Christ Church of the Valley.

“Today we say goodbye to Officer Travis Murphy,” said Phoenix Police Chief Jack Harris. “But this is not the last day we will remember his service and his sacrifice.”

Murphy was fatally shot May 26 during an early-morning confrontation with a suspect. Police arrested 30-year-old Danny Ledezma Martinez of Tucson on charges of first-degree murder and weapons violations in connection to the case.

Harris said Murphy loved being a police officer and he showed the same level of dedication to his job as he did to his family.

Murphy’s sergeant described him as a leader, a man with no fear and great compassion. “Travis is an incredible man with a heart of gold, sense of purpose, and sense of humor,” said Sgt. Jacque Wagaman.

Murphy was a four-year veteran of the police force. He was married with two young children, a 2-year-old daughter and a 1-month-old son.

Murphy’s lifelong friend Luke Underwood shared stories about their childhood antics and Murphy’s competitive nature. “I’m thankful for the 18 years I had with you, Travis,” said Underwood, who met Murphy when they were both in sixth grade. “I pray that everyone could have a friend as fun and charismatic as you.”

Murphy’s mother referred to her son as her hero. “It breaks my heart that I will never hear his voice again, or reach up to give him a hug, or eat one of his amazing home-cooked meals, or compete in our Christmas cookie bake-off,” said Mary Rhodes, as her voice cracked.

“So I say goodbye for now, son. Because I know our goodbye is not the end. Because, Travis, I will see your face again,” said Rhodes.

Danielle Murphy, Travis’ wife, thanked his mother for raising such an amazing man. And through tears said that her husband was her best friend.

“I’m everything I am today because of him. And those babies are going to be a constant reminder of the love that we made and that we shared,” said Danielle Murphy.

A photo presentation showed Murphy as a child, with his mom, growing up and during various achievements in his life. As music played, mourners viewed pictures of Murphy at play, at work and with his two young kids.

Tacked onto the end of the photo presentation was a short video showing Murphy’s 2-year-old daughter, Kaylie, talking into the camera. “I love you, Daddy. I miss you,” she said. She then blew the camera a kiss.

Copyright 2010 by KPHO.com. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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