Kenneth Murphy

Photos by Amelia Kunhardt

Police officer, Braintree

Tell us about yourself.

"I am fortunate to be living the adage 'find a job you like and you'll never work a day in your life.'"

"My K-9 partner and I were trained by Kenny Balinger of the Barnstable County sheriff's office. His K-9 program has a lot to do with how I feel about my role with my department and what my partner and I can contribute to our community. It's good to feel you have something to bring to the table at work, in any career."

THE SKINNY

RANK: Patrolman

AGE:31

HIRED IN BRAINTREE: 2005

BIO: Murphy grew up in Braintree and joined the Marines after graduating from Braintree High. During his time in the Marines, he attended Norwich University, a military college in Vermont, where he earned a degree in criminal justice. After nine years in the Marines and before being appointed to the Braintree Police Department, he was a Middlesex County deputy sheriff. He and his K-9 partner, Dargo, are assigned to the night shift. Murphy and his wife, Carla, have a 9-year-old daughter and a 2-year-old son. The family lives in Braintree.

What did you want to be when you were a kid?A police officer.

What would you have been if not a police officer? "Still in the Marines. It was an interesting job unlike any other."

Best advice you ever got: "Don't take life too seriously; you'll never get out alive."

Person who gave it to you: "My brother, Marine Lt. Col. Neil Murphy. I know he stole it from someone, but it's still good advice."

What do you do in your spare time? "I play ice hockey for the police department team, ski and enjoy my family."