Officers who have survived deadly encounters often possess a unique perspective and have compelling stories to share. This article reflects on the experiences of several such heroes, highlighting their resilience and dedication to service.
While attending a Bulletproof Mind Seminar in Fort Worth, I had the privilege of meeting several individuals who had faced unimaginable adversity. Among them was Misty McBride, who was shot three times in downtown Dallas during the tragic night when five officers were killed and nine others wounded. I also met Houston Gass, who survived a shotgun blast to the face during a domestic dispute, and Matt Pearce, who endured an ambush and multiple gunshot wounds in Fort Worth. Greg Stevens, who neutralized two terrorists in Garland, Texas, in May 2015, was also present.
During the preparation of an article, I was introduced to Lt. Brian Murphy, a former Oak Creek, Wisconsin police lieutenant. He was the first officer on the scene during the August 2012 Sikh Temple massacre, a horrific event that claimed the lives of six people at the hands of a ruthless and meticulously planning killer. Upon arriving at the scene, Lt. Murphy, while awaiting backup, was shot a staggering 15 times (in addition to two rounds that struck his body armor) as the assailant attempted to escape.
Paraphrasing the sentiments of these courageous individuals, they each expressed a similar sentiment: “I didn’t choose the event, it chose me.” This statement encapsulates the reality faced by many in law enforcement. Tragedy can strike at any moment, demanding that officers rise to the occasion and confront danger head-on. We work in a business where tragedy finds us and we need to rise to the occasion!
Life has presented numerous challenges for Brian Murphy since the 2012 Sikh Temple shooting. He sustained 15 gunshot wounds from a Springfield Armory XD, 9mm, using 147-grain ammunition. The extent of his injuries required an accountant to fully document. When asked about where he was hit, Lt. Murphy humorously replied, “Everywhere except my ears and feet.” Despite the severity of his wounds, he recalled thinking, “When is enough, enough?” after being repeatedly shot. “It would have been apparent to him how many times he shot me,” Brian said. “So yeah, I thought to myself, ‘Oh come on now, that’s enough.’”
Describing his medical condition as merely “lingering injuries” would be a gross understatement. Lt. Murphy’s spine has been fused, he lost half of his thumb, and his body bears the marks of numerous surgeries. He still carries a bullet in his neck and another in his skull. His vocal cords were damaged, making conversation and breathing difficult, yet he graciously spoke with me for nearly an hour.
Despite his circumstances, I asked him what he was thankful for, knowing this article would be published near Thanksgiving. Without hesitation, he replied “family,” categorizing it into three distinct groups:
Then came an insightful disclosure. “I’m thankful it happened to me and not any of my people,” he said. “I love all my guys.” These words exemplify the heart of a true servant-warrior, embodying a leadership philosophy worthy of emulation.
His bio from the Guard911 website reads like this: Lt. Brian Murphy is a national speaker and former SWAT team member and speaks on valuable seconds lost are lives lost during these acts of workplace violence. Lt. Murphy was cited during the President of the United States “State of the Union Address” and now speaks nationwide to diverse groups and helps open the eyes of all who fall into the world of denial and believe “it won’t happen here.”
Like so many past and present SWAT team members, he emphasized the importance of training during our conversation. “Being ready… preparation is so important… Even with budget cuts, a person can still train on their own time.” Indeed they can Lt. Murphy. Your survival is a testament to the wisdom you’ve acquired. Thank you for passing it along.
Today, I am thankful for you, Misty McBride, Houston Gass, Matt Pearce, and Greg Stevens along with so many others willing to share their story!