'Hero Cop' Lt. Brian Murphy Headed to Recovery

What a difference a month makes.

Lt. Brian Murphy, a Windsor Terrace native who took nine bullets at close range during August's horrific Sikh Temple shooting in Oak Creek, Wis., is on the road to recovery. 

"Everybody’s impressed by how he’s improved," Murphy's father, James, told Patch on Wednesday. 

Murphy, a former Marine and 21-year-police veteran, was the first officer to arrive on the scene of the Aug. 5 mass shooting that left six dead and several—including Murphy himself—critically injured.

Now out of the hospital for more than a week, the elder Murphy said his son is able to walk, and may even be back in Brooklyn for Christmas.

"I speak to him on the phone, and I know it's him," Murphy's father said, adding that despite his son's impressive recovery, two bullets remain lodged in his throat, forcing him to speak in a heavy whisper. 

While his body may still be recovering, Murphy said his son's spirit is alive and well. 

"If you knew him, you would recognize that it's him," he said. "Brian’s got an attitude—he's just that kinda guy. He’s a happy-go-lucky guy."

Though Murphy has lived in Wisconsin for 20 years, he'll always be a son of Brooklyn. He graduated from Immaculate Heart of Mary School in 1975, and served as an altar boy there for much of his life.

He also remains close friends with Denny's Steak Pub owner Kevin Ryan, who frequently spends holidays around the Murphy household. 

A benefit is being held in Lt. Murphy's honor on Oct. 20 at Rhythm and Booze. Tickets are $50, and all proceeds will go toward his recovery. 

Despite his brush with death, Murphy's father said he's sure his son would do it all again. 

"He was 100 percent marine. When you’re a marine, you’re a marine for the rest of your life." 

The benefit for Lt. Brian Murphy will be held at Rhythm and Booze on Oct. 20 from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $50, and includes food and drink. RSVP to Michael at mecsec4@aol.com.

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