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.

About 1975

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

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.

Fire Fighter Howard Murphy

Click on Image to Enlarge