Fallen Phoenix officer honored with posthumous degree

Fallen Phoenix police officer, Travis Murphy, was honored with a posthumous degree from the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice during the Convocation ceremony for Arizona State University’s College of Public Programs.

Officer Murphy’s widow and mother came to the stage to accept the degree on his behalf. Scott Decker, director of the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, presented the diploma to the family and spoke about Murphy’s dedication to finishing his degree and his wish that his children would follow in his footsteps.

Murphy was pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice. “He attended class faithfully.  He went on duty right after class ended,” says Andrew Clemency, one of Murphy’s former instructors. “Despite having 80 students in that class, I knew who he was.”

“Officer Travis Murphy was an excellent student, who enhanced the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at ASU," says Decker.

Murphy was fatally shot when confronting a suspect May 25. He had served with the Phoenix Police Department for four and a half years. The 29-year-old student left behind his wife and two children. 

Dana Berchman
Manager, Media Communications, ASU College of Public Programs
dana.berchman@asu.edu
602-496-0406