ROCKVILLE, MD - Brian Murphy attended Catholic Mass regularly, both before and after he took 12 bullets while trying to defend a Sikh temple in Wisconsin from a gunman in 2012. But he says the principles he’s learned from the Sikh temple have helped his recovery. Now, a Maryland-based Sikh organization has honored the retired police officer for his service when a gunman killed six worshippers at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin.
Guru Gobind Singh Foundation, a Maryland-based Sikh advocacy organization, honored Murphy on April 13 — on Vaisakhi Day, a holy day — with a Sewa (service) Award, given annually to someone who has contributed to the Sikh community.
“We are highly grateful to him for his sacrifice and exemplary service to the law and order and providing protection to all citizens of Oak Creek, including the members of the Sikh community in Wisconsin,” said Inder Paul Singh Gadh, chairman of the foundation.
Murphy, the first officer on the scene, deterred what could have been a “much bigger massacre of Sikhs who were still trapped inside the Gurdwara,” Gadh said. In an interview, Murphy, 52, said he appreciates the Foundation’s gesture.
“For them to take the time out to acknowledge my role in what happened is a very humbling experience,” said Murphy, who now speaks with a raspy reconstructed voice after one of the bullets traveled through his vocal chords and esophagus.
He was impressed that the Sikhs of Oak Creek forgave the gunman, Wade Michael Page, who killed himself in the temple’s parking lot. Dr. Rajwant Singh, Chairmand of the Sikh Council on Religion and Education, said, “Sikhs are indebted to Brian Murphy and we are especially touched by his spirit.
“We are highly grateful to him for his sacrifice and exemplary service to the law and order and providing protection to all citizens of Oak Creek, including the members of the Sikh community in Wisconsin,” said Inder Paul Singh Gadh, chairman of the foundation.
Murphy, the first officer on the scene, deterred what could have been a “much bigger massacre of Sikhs who were still trapped inside the Gurdwara,” Gadh said. In an interview, Murphy, 52, said he appreciates the Foundation’s gesture.
“For them to take the time out to acknowledge my role in what happened is a very humbling experience,” said Murphy, who now speaks with a raspy reconstructed voice after one of the bullets traveled through his vocal chords and esophagus.
He was impressed that the Sikhs of Oak Creek forgave the gunman, Wade Michael Page, who killed himself in the temple’s parking lot. Dr. Rajwant Singh, Chairmand of the Sikh Council on Religion and Education, said, “Sikhs are indebted to Brian Murphy and we are especially touched by his spirit.
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