Camden People - Howard P. Murphy

HOWARD P. MURPHY was born on November 1, 1944 in Camden, New Jersey.

Howard Murphy went into the military in 1966 and served in Vietnam. During his time overseas he was taken prisoner by the Viet Cong. Fortunately, on the 89th day of his captivity he was rescued by South Vietnamese (ARVN) soldiers and in time returned to the United States.

After returning home to Camden, Howard Murphy joined the Camden Fire Department on January 12, 1968. A cousin, Philip Maycott, had joined the Department in 1962. Howard Murphy lived in Cramer Hill at 1019 North 32nd Street early in his career. He later moved to Voorhees Township, New Jersey.

Howard Murphy married Lorraine Berger, who had grown up at 940 North 32nd Street in Camden's Cramer Hill section. The Murphy's had six children, Raymond, Terri, Cheryl, John. Joanne, and Anthony.

Howard P. Murphy retired from the Camden Fire Department on March 1, 1999 after serving the City of Camden for over 31 years. His assignments included serving with Engine Company 1 in the mid-1990s.

After his retirement, Howard Murphy and his wife Lorraine moved to Florida.

Last a resident of Jensen Beach, Florida, Howard P. Murphy passed away on February 17, 2002, survived by his wife, six children and a host of other relatives and friends.

Camden Courier-Post
July 15, 1968

Edward V. Michalak - John J. Nicholson - Howard P. Murphy - Joseph A. Broccoli
Michael J. Deets - Donald Jankiewicz - Robert Allen - Parris Branch - Joseph Rotchford
James Gallagher - George Jackson - Ronald Kowalski

About 1975

In the kitchen at the old fire headquarters, North 5th Street & Arch Street.

Left to right:
Bill Wickward
Jim Cusick
Capt. R. "Randy" Brooks
Howard "Skip" Murphy
Hank Keubler
Bill Colucci
Ed Decker

Photo courtesy of
Robert "Sonny" Frett

Click on Image to Enlarge

The Probie and the First Whip
Probationary Fire Fighter Richard Martinez with Fire Fighter Howard Murphy - 1992

In the by gone days of the horse drawn era, the senior man in the company was known as the First Whip who invariably held the reins and drove the apparatus. Years of hard earned experience on the inside of burning buildings prepared these senior members for the serious responsibility of apparatus operations. Little has changed in more than 100 years as the senior man of the company continues in the role of the First Whip, delivering his company to fires and teaching newer members about the customs and respect for the job.

Click on Image to Enlarge

Camden Courier-Post - February 19, 2002

MURPHY, HOWARD P.
On Feb. 17, 2002 of Florida, formerly of Voorhees, NJ. Age 57 years. Beloved husband of Lorraine E. (nee Berger). Due notice will be given by FALCO/CARUSO & LEONARDFUNERAL HOME

Camden Courier-Post - February 22, 2002

MURPHY, HOWARD P.
On February 17, 2002, of Florida, formerly of Voorhees, NJ. Age 57 years. Beloved husband of Lorraine E. (nee Berger). Dear Father of Raymond Murphy, Terri Merola (Ron), Cheryl Przybylski (Mike), John Murphy (Theresa), Joanne Murphy (Eric) and Anthony Murphy. Loving grandfather of Danny, Justin, Alyssa, Rebecca, Michael, Chelsea, Lyndsay, Anthony, Deanna, Ashlei, Erica and Eric, Jr. Great grandfather of Dillon. Dear brother of Joseph Murphy (Joanne). Also survived by his mother-in-law Elizabeth Berger, a cousin Philip Maycott (Mary), nieces, nephews and a grand niece. Prior to retiring in 1999, Mr. Murphy was a firefighter for the City of Camden for 31 years. He was also a US Army Vietnam Veteran serving from 1966-1967. Relatives and friends are invited to the Mass of Christian Burial, Saturday, 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, White Horse Pike, Berlin, where there will be a viewing from 9:45 AM. Interment will take place privately. Arrangements by FALCO/CARUSO & LEONARD FUNERAL HOME. Visit www.pnnobits.com/fcl