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TO HONOR AND COMMEND CHIEF DENNIS MURPHY FOR TWENTY-FOUR YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO THE CITIZENS OF THE COMMUNITY OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA.
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WHEREAS, the City of Gahanna is proud to honor and recognize Chief Dennis Murphy for 24 years of distinguished service to the citizens of this community. Chief Murphy was originally appointed to the Division of Police in September, 1994, following his retirement from the Unites States Army; and
WHEREAS, in September, 1997, Chief Murphy was appointed as the City’s Chief of Police. And over the next 21 years the citizens of Gahanna, and the law enforcement profession, have benefited from his consummate professionalism and leadership; and
WHEREAS, early in Chief Murphy’s tenure he guided the Division through a period of reorganization, expansion, modernization and infused the tenets of community policing throughout the organization; and
WHEREAS, Chief Murphy in fostering community engagement opportunities began hosting a monthly meeting with area civic association members and other community leaders. Over the next two decades the Chief’s monthly meetings were much anticipated, drawing in many of Gahanna’s residents wishing to have a voice in their community and the manner in which police services were delivered to them.
WHEREAS, Chief Murphy has directed and overseen many accomplishments of the Division of Police such as the expansion of technological partnerships with area law enforcement agencies making Gahanna the leader in the field. He met the challenges presented to law enforcement following the events of September 11, 2001 with leadership and direction as the Division expanded its duties related to securing the homeland as well as its emergency management responsibilities; and
WHEREAS, Chief Murphy has been the leader in urban wildlife management and conservation efforts by establishing Gahanna’s Urban Deer Hunting Program that has been used as a model by urban agencies confronted by growing deer populations. Chief Murphy has been a frequent speaker at wildlife management events and worked with various entities such as the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and The Ohio State University on many initiatives and programs; and
WHEREAS, Chief Murphy throughout his career has been a stalwart champion of military veterans and veterans’ issues, often volunteering his time, skill and passion in support of aiding veterans. Whether offering an early morning cup of coffee to an aging veteran to swap “war stories”, speaking about the impact of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to law enforcement professionals or assisting the local Veterans Administration hospital on identifying ways to improve service to its veteran customers, he has made lasting impact on the lives of countless veterans both near and far; and
WHEREAS, Chief Murphy has made an indelible mark on the City of Gahanna and the law enforcement profession; and
WHEREAS, Council wishes to express our greatest appreciation to Chief Murphy for his meritorious service, devotion, and commitment to the City of Gahanna. We extend our finest wishes for continued success and happiness in all of Dennis and Ellen’s future endeavors and life’s pursuits; you will be truly missed by all of us; and
noW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of GAHANNA, CountY of FRANKLIN, State of Ohio:
Section 1. That this Council hereby honors and commends Chief Dennis Murphy for twenty-four years of distinguished service to the citizens of the community of the City of Gahanna.
Section 2. That this Resolution shall be in full force and effect immediately after passage by this Council.