EDWARD F. MURTAUGH was born in Camden on January 27, 1947 to John J. Murtaugh Jr. and his wife, the former Saimi Perala. He was named after his late uncle, Private Edward F. Murtaugh, who was killed in action in Italy in 1944. He is family lived at 1169 Bergen Avenue in Camden's Cramer Hill neighborhood.

Tragedy struck in March of 1963 when Ed Murtaugh and nine other teenagers from the neighborhood piled into a convertible driven by 21 year-old William Hummell for a ride through South Jersey. Near Atco the car went through guardrail near a railroad bridge, plunged 50 feet to the tracks, hitting high-powered electric lines on the way down. Four of the young people were killed, Robert E. Shelley, Ellen Marren, Judith Sviben, Dorothy Fitzpatrick. William Hummel, the driver, was seriously injured. 

David Murtaugh and four others, Carol McKee, John Latko, David McBride, and Joseph Rotchford escaped with cuts and bruises. Interestingly enough, both Edward Murtaugh and Joseph Rotchford later became Camden fire fighters.

Edward F. Murtaugh was drafted in 1966. After his entrance into the United States Army he completed basic training after which he was sent to Vietnam. He served from 1967 to 1968 with the 240th Assault Helicopter Company, 9th Infantry Division, at  Bearcat, Bien Hoa province, Vietnam.

Shortly after returning from Vietnam and receiving his honorable discharge from the military, Edward F. Murtaugh became a member of the Camden City Fire Department. He served for many years with Engine Company 6. He rose through the ranks to the rank of Captain. His last command was at Engine Company 10. Captain Murtaugh served with distinction until his retirement in January of 2000.

In 1991 Edward Murtaugh joined the South Jersey Vietnam Veterans Association. He served for several years as Sergeant of Arms, and for one year as President. He was well known in veteran's organization circles for his dedication to aiding fellow servicemen. He was awarded  the Camden County Veterans Special Recognition Award in October 2005 by the Camden County Department of Veterans Affairs.

Last a resident of Westmont, New jersey, Edward Murtaugh passed away suddenly on November 22, 2006.