CHICAGO — It is our sad duty to report the passing of Chicago Fire Department Office of Fire Investigations Chief Michael V. Murphy. Chief Murphy joined the CFD in October 1996.
He achieved the rank of Deputy District Chief and was named the Commanding Fire Marshal in February 2015, a position that heads up the Office of Fire Investigations, charged with determination of cause and origin of structure and vehicular fires in Chicago.
Chief Murphy was the catalyst for the newly passed ordinance in Chicago that requires the victims of vehicle fires to report all such fires to fire and police for investigation before any insurance claims are made. The new law has already been credited for a decrease in fraudulent insurance claims involving automobile fires.
Chief Murphy was taking part in an aquatic event at Mount Carmel High School over the weekend with his 16-year-old son when he was stricken with a massive heart attack.
He leaves behind his wife, daughter and two sons.
Funeral arrangements are pending.