Rochester officer wounded in shootout back on duty

ROCHESTER - Rochester Police Det. Jeremiah Murphy, who was shot in the chest during last year’s standoff in which a Greenland police chief was killed, returned to work last week after a 16-month convalescence.

Murphy was one of four state Drug Task Force members who were shot in the April 12 rampage, which left Greenland Police Chief Michael Maloney dead.

Suspected drug dealer Cullen Mutrie and his girlfriend were found dead inside the home some hours after the shooting ended.

Murphy has asked for privacy from the media as he returns, but Rochester Police Chief Michael Allen told The Lebanon Voice last week that his detective was “very happy to be back at work.”

Allen said Murphy last week was getting his certification in order and would likely begin active duty as a detective today.

Allen said Murphy will no longer participate in the state Drug Task Force due to an administrative decision.

To welcome him back on the force, there was a surprise reception held in his honor at the police station last week. On hand for the occasion were fellow officers, Allen, City Manager Daniel Fitzpatrick and Mayor T.J. Jean.

Murphy has been on the Rochester force since 2004. He was awarded a Bravery Medal and a Wounded in Service Medal for his heroic service in the shootout.