In an announcement from the City of Columbia’s Mayor’s Office, Columbia Police Chief Jr. Murphy, has announced his plan to retire. Murphy said it would take place next week around the first of October.
Murphy has been prepared to retire for some time. He plans to set aside more time to help care for his family. “I have been at my full term of service for my police duties police duties. Having to be away so much, I felt like I needed to let someone take over for the position,” said Murphy.
Murphy has been happy to serve the city for so long, “a career in police services was something that I have always wanted to do since the time I was a small boy, and I achieved that goal, I was able to serve in my hometown and was able to fulfill my dream,” said Murphy.
Murphy is a 1992 graduate of the Adair County High School; he later attended Lindsey Wilson College and Western Kentucky University.
He graduated from the Eastern Kentucky University Department of Criminal Justice Training in 2003 and began a twenty-year career in law enforcement. He started at the City of Columbia under former Mayor Mark Harris. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2013 and served in the capacity of Assistant Chief until he was promoted to Chief in 2021.
He attended the Academy of Police Supervision, received over one thousand hours of continued education in various fields of police training, a Certified Investigator through the Kentucky Law Enforcement, a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
“I am very appreciative of everyone involved and I appreciate the mayor and city council that had confidence in me and appointed me to the position. We were able to make our city police thrive,” said Murphy.
Mayor Pam Hoots gave appreciation for Murphy, “We appreciate the years of service that Chief Murphy has given to the City of Columbia.”
At this time the position will remain unfilled until a new appointment is presented to take Murphy’s place as Chief of police.
By Brandon Roberts
Newsroom2@adairvoice.com
