ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ) – The Ashwaubenon Public Safety officer who was struck by a vehicle while responding to a fire along Interstate 41 returned to full service Wednesday.
Officer Brian Murphy has spent the last few months doing light duty, following the July incident and having been released from the hospital in August.
“He was taking window complaints and doing paperwork, and then moved into other light duties” Ashwaubenon Public Safety Captain Jody Crocker said. “In the last few months he also started working as a paramedic and took fire calls also.”
Crocker said his return included geting his squad car ready and signing on for duty, which was real emotional.
“I think it is a relief for all of us that he is actually back to work, considering the circumstance. It takes a whole lot for a person to go through what he did and actually be back on the job, and that says a lot about him right there.”
Crocker said Officer Murphy’s return completed a promise that he made to the department.
“When he got out of the hospital, he assured us that he will be back to work again someday.”
Chief Eric Dunning says “Officer Murphy’s drive to live, get better, and stay in pursuit of being a part of Public Safety is a testament to all of us. We’re so glad to have him back.”
The 29-year-old Greenleaf woman accused of drunkenly striking Murphy is due back in court for a status hearing next week.
