HOWELL – Local police officers and firefighters came together to mourn and honor Gerald L. Murphy who served as a volunteer firefighter in Howell and Farmingdale for more than 50 years.
Murphy, who many called “Jerry,” passed away on August 21 at the age of 74. His funeral was held on August 25 in Freehold where several Howell Township Police Officers and Firefighters from the Squankum Fire Company honored him during the services.
“Howell Police Officers were proud and honored to be part of his services. He was given police honors. We stood alongside our fire department brothers and escorted Jerry to his final place of rest,” the Howell Police Department said in a statement.
Murphy was born and raised in Farmingdale, and was a member of the first graduating class at Southern Freehold Regional High School (currently known as Howell High School).
He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1965 and was a combat veteran of the Vietnam War serving from 1967 to 1968. His service included the TET Offensive, where he was promoted to sergeant.
When he returned to the United States, he completed his service at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia and was honorably discharged in May 1969.
Stated in his obituary, Murphy was a member of the Marine Corps League, Reynolds Detachment, of Freehold, and of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 9, Manalapan, for 50 years. He retired as a Master Plumber in 2002.
Murphy was an Ex-Chief and life member of the Squankum Fire Company. He was a certified arson investigator for the township. He also served as president of the Fire District No. 1 Board of Fire Commissioners for over 40 years.
In addition, he volunteered as the Assistant Scoutmaster and Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 13, Farmingdale, from 1984 to 1990.
Murphy was a Conservation Officer for the state. He attended the Monmouth County Police Academy in 1990, attaining certification as a Special Police Officer Class II and joined the Howell Police Department. Due to his expert marksmanship, he became a member of the Howell SWAT unit, according to his obituary. For several years he owned and operated G. L. Murphy & Son Contracting, Farmingdale.
“Jerry dedicated his life to his family and Howell Township on so many levels and because of that it was important to honor our brother. It’s important to recognize our sincere appreciation to the Howell Township Police for their amazing support. A special thank you to Jackson Station 55 for covering our district which allowed us to say goodbye to our brother while still maintaining fire protection to the district,” Squankum Fire Company said in a statement. “To Past Chief and Fire Commissioner Jerry Murphy, we shall never forget you and shall always honor you.”
