Community Involvement – Featured Member

My name is Leo Murphy and I have been employed as a police officer with the Sarnia Police Service since December 1997.

Growing up in a small fishing community outside of St. John’s, Newfoundland is a far cry from the water of Lake Huron.  I was the youngest of eleven children…yes, eleven!   I learned quickly how to guard my food and fight with my five older brothers.  Five sisters made up the rest of the bunch.  In my youth, especially in high school, heavy involvement in sports such as basketball, volleyball and softball kept me active and very busy.

After high school, I attended Memorial University of Newfoundland for five years.  During that time, I earned two degrees; Bachelor of Physical Education with a Minor in English and a Bachelor of Education.  While at university I wrestled on the Varsity team and became a lab assistant in Anatomy / Physiology and Exercise Physiology.  University was the best time of my life and I made many good friends.

After finishing University, a big change came when I moved to Ontario.  I worked as a personal trainer in Toronto until I got hired by the Sarnia Police Service.  For a time, I was supply teaching at our local Sarnia Catholic schools during my days off of policing.  That was certainly an interesting experience!

When I started in 1997 with Sarnia, I was assigned to the Uniform Patrol.  In 2001, I worked at my favourite job to date; bicycle patrol.  Arresting criminals and staying fit at the same time was a bonus.  In 2002, I was assigned to work in the Youth Bureau.  I remained there for three years and was able to hone my skills as an investigator.

In 2004, I joined the recruiting team.  In that capacity, we conduct background checks and interview candidates for policing jobs within the Sarnia Police Service.  I continue to do this and I have found it to be very rewarding. 

The Sarnia Police also has an Honour Guard made up of various officers from the Service.  A proposal was submitted in 2003 and was agreed upon.  We attend special services on Remembrance Day, the Canada Day parade, funerals and the photo to the right is from the 9-11 Anniversary Service in Port Huron, Michigan in 2011.

In 2005, I returned to Uniform Patrol and the same year, my wife and I entered into parenthood, which has been my life’s greatest achievement.   In 2010, I was promoted to Sergeant and spent two years assigned to a platoon of 14 officers.  In October of 2012, I was put in charge of Information Services with the Sarnia Police Service.  Sixteen civilians report to me.

Sarnia has been good to me and I certainly consider this to be my home.  I am involved in the MS Society of Sarnia and sit on my son’s School Parent Council.  The joys in my life right now are spending time with my family, playing hockey, woodworking and reading.

I look forward to many years of service with this community and enjoying  all that Sarnia has to offer.