A nose for duty
By Sandra Roy, Deputy Public Affairs Officer
Meet Officer Murphy, a K9 with a nose for duty. Every day, Murphy strides through the corridors of the medical center and across campus, his keen senses on high alert. Trained in detecting narcotics, Murphy’s presence is a comforting sight to everyone.
But Murphy’s talents extend far beyond just sniffing out contraband. Murphy is invaluable when it comes to locating wandering or missing patients. His sharp nose makes him a vital part of the Minneapolis VA Police team.
In October the medical center conducted a missing patient drill. Murphy, with his boundless energy and determination, was ready. He trotted along the hallways and outside pathways, his nose working non-stop. Within minutes, Murphy picked up a scent, leading his handler through a series of twists and turns. Finally, he found the "missing patient,” who was in the wheelchair repair shop, a location off the grid and not easily found. Murphy’s performance was nothing short of spectacular.
Murphy’s heroism doesn’t end on campus. He extends his talents to the broader community, assisting in searches for missing people.
Officer Murphy is more than just a dog; he is a true hero. With every alert and every search, his skill and commitment to commands is unwavering to helping those in need. Now that’s a good boy!