Constable Peter Murphy was just 21 years old and 18 months into his Police career when he was murdered.
On Friday 25 September, 50 years to the day since that tragedy, serving and former Police staff gathered with community members as a plaque was unveiled in his honour, near the spot in Invercargill where he was fatally wounded.
The plaque was installed near the corner of Esk and Dee Streets by Invercargill City Council and unveiled by Mayor Tom Campbell. It compliments one in Peter’s memory in the public counter area at Invercargill Police Station.
Among those present were Peter Murphy’s sister-in-law Sandy Murphy, whose husband, Peter’s brother Michael, died last year; and former Police staff who worked with Peter including John Cox, who was working with Peter on the night he died.
The serving Police staff present included Southern District Commander Superintendent Jason Guthrie and Southland Area Commander Inspector Mike Bowman.
Mike addressed the gathering, saying Peter was at the start of what promised to be a long and dedicated policing career.
He outlined the events of 25 September 1976, when Peter was one of four officers who responded to a report of a burglary at Smith and Rainsford’s sports shop. The offender opened fire from the store, hitting Peter as he took cover with his colleagues across the street.
“Alongside fellow officers, he faced a dangerous and unpredictable situation,” said Mike.
“While carrying out his duty to protect the community, Peter was struck by a gunshot fired by the offender. Despite the efforts of those around him and the medical staff who cared for him, Peter later died from his injuries.
“Peter had served with New Zealand Police for only 18 months, yet his sacrifice embodies the courage, commitment and selfless service that policing demands.
"He gave his life while protecting others and, for that, we remain forever grateful.
“As we reflect today, we remember not only the circumstances of Peter’s death, but also the young man behind the uniform: a son, a brother, a colleague, and a friend.
“Though his life was cut tragically short, his service and sacrifice continue to be remembered with honour and respect.”
Peter was the youngest son of Jim and Betty Murphy of Naenae, in the Hutt Valley. He followed his brother into Police and, after graduating as a probationary constable on 20 January 1975, was posted to Invercargill.
Mayor Campbell led a minute’s silence in Peter’s memory at a city council meeting this week.
“Thankfully, Peter remains to this day the only police officer to have been killed by an offender in Southland while on duty,” he wrote on social media.
“In honouring his personal sacrifice, we should also reflect on the risk which every police officer faces when they go on duty to protect the public.”
In January 1977, Recruit Wing 67 was named in Peter’s honour.
His killer, who was just 18 at the time of Peter’s death, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. He was paroled in September 1986.