Mission Viejo Deputy Michael Murphy honored for outstanding work

Deputy Michael Murphy was recently honored as the Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge Deputy of the Year.  

Selected for the honor by Mission Viejo Police Services, Deputy Murphy began his career with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in 2017.  

After graduating from the Sheriff’s Academy, Deputy Murphy was assigned to the Intake and Release Center. His exceptional work ethic, maturity, and optimistic attitude became contagious, and his supervisors quickly recognized his lead-by-example approach and how he improved the moral of peers.  

Deputy Murphy transferred to the City of Mission Viejo in November of 2020 where he began his career in patrol operations. His positive attitude and community policing quickly set him apart from others. Deputy Murphy’s strong reputation for service and outstanding community engagement led to his appointment as School Resource Officer a year later.   

Students and staff became attached to his endless efforts to provide the best service possible. In June of 2021, Deputy Murphy was selected as Mission Viejo’s Administrative Deputy. The post required him to learn a whole new set of skills including scheduling, shift change, vacation schedules, assigning training, assisting with special events, and creating event action plans for City events.  

“We thank Deputy Murphy for being the example of professionalism and are so fortunate to work with such a dedicated member of this great City and department,” said Chief of Police Services Captain Chris McDonald.