The Virginian-Pilot
©
A Nags Head, N.C., police sergeant died early Friday after losing control of his car in heavy rain on the way to a break-in.
Sgt. Dulan Earl Murray Jr., 48, was the first officer in the town's history to be killed in the line of duty.
Murray was responding to a reported breaking and entering when he lost control of his car and hit a power pole about 3:53 a.m. in the 3000 block of S. Croatan Hwy. near Nags Head Elementary School, said Sgt. Jeff Wilson of the State Highway Patrol.
Another motorist saw the crash, and a second Nags Head officer was on the scene quickly, Wilson said.
Murray died at the scene.
"This is a devastating loss to our community," Nags Head Mayor Renée Cahoon said in a statement. "Earl Murray was one of the finest, most dedicated officers we've ever had. More importantly, though, he was one of the most dedicated family men we've ever known."
Murray is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and daughters Paige and Samantha.
Wilson estimated Murray was traveling about 50 mph when he hit the pole. It was raining heavily, and it's possible that water ponded on the roadway, causing him to lose control, he said.
Murray had worked for Nags Head since February 1997 and had more than 26 years in law enforcement.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Kitty Hawk. A viewing will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at Twiford's Funeral Home, at 500 Bud-leigh St. in Manteo.
Patrick Wilson, (757) 446-2957, patrick.wilson@pilotonline.com
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A Good Man
I grew up with Earl here in Wallace NC. We are all so very saddened by his loss. As I read all the wonderful things that people have to say about Earl, I just want to add that Earl has always been a warm, kind spirit that was ready with a quick smile and eager to help. I have known Earl since we started first grade and I have only memories of smiles and laughter.
The Wallace Rose Hill High School class of 1979 will be having our 30 year reunion this October. Earl will be remembered, honored and missed.
He was a dear friend.
JMO
The perp who originated the call should be charged with manslaughter! My prayers go out to the family of this kind man.
He was more than an officer
Im from dare county, have have known Earl for as long as he was on the force. Im not an officer, and have never been one. Just an everyday citizen who will mourn his loss. Ive seen Sgt Murray in many situations, and in many moods. One thing I can always say is I never heard him speak ill of anyone. He took his job seriously, but he respected the people he protected each day. You rarely saw him when he wasnt smiling. He was a "good ole boy" at heart, and he played by the rules. If you were wrong, then that was that. When I drive thru Nags Head, it will be a loss to me knowing that he wont on the streets protecting us (he wrote me a ticket once, and I deserved it). To his family I offer this thought-he lived the life he wanted, loved his family and friends, and he died while doing what he loved. Nags Head has an angel patroling the streets now, Sgt Murray will always be on duty.
I live near where the
I live near where the burglary in progress call to which Sgt. Murray was responding originated. The situation that occurred early Friday involved someone who was very impaired and for whatever reason entered a house where he was not supposed to be.
Police received a call for help. They responded in a pouring rain and did their jobs, even after the accident killed a co-worker.
Sgt. Murray and the other officers did not have the advantage of knowing whether they were dealing with a two-bit drunk or someone with a weapon and an intent to kill. His sense of professionalism dictated that he treat the situation with great urgency. Regardless of the accident investigation’s results, he sacrificed his life doing just that.
Nothing about the neighborhood differs from your block. Nothing in this story differs from thousands of routine calls that police handle every year. Most are cases where a simple sense of personal responsibility, including on my own part as a neighbor, might have prevented them from having to respond in the first place or at least allowed them to do so under safer circumstances. We will never know for sure.
Please remember that the next time you feel tempte
Sgt. Murray
My condolences are with Kim, Paige & Sam, & the rest of the Nags Head community. But I would also like to share the lighter side of him. Many yrs ago he had stopped me for speeding on the by-pass. At the time I had a one of a kind sticker on the back of my truck. When he came up to my window he was laughing. Told me I was doing 58 in a 50. I gave him my driver's license etc. When he came back to my vehicle (still laughing), he said ma'am I'll let you off with a warning if you tell me where you got that sticker from, I want one!!! So off I went with a warning. That is the Sgt. Murray I remember!! May you rest in peace.
Sgt Murray
Sgt Murray was a true friend and brother. I had the pleasure of working with him many years before I retired. He was very professional and caring about people. Brother I will miss you here....His family and fellow officers are in our prayers.....REST PEACEFULLY IN THE ARMS OF JESUS
Loss of a Friend
Earl and I had worked together on the Wallace, NC Rescue Squad when we were younger and went to the same high school. I knew his family including Aunts and Uncles. The entire family has a history of community service in Emergency Services including EMS and Law Enforcement. I had just reestablished contact with him after many years. It was devastating news and my heart and prayers go out to his family and community.
Some people have jobs, some people have callings...for Earl this was a calling.
He'll be missed.
Peace Officers Memorial Day - May 25th
Public Law 103-322 designated Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15) as one of only two days each year during which all government agencies, businesses and residents are to fly their U.S. flags at half staff.
Rest In Peace!
It saddens me to learn of another brother in law enforcement has lost his life in the line of duty!
Let us never forget his ultimate sacrifice!!!
May you rest in peace and may god comfort your family on the days ahead...
Regards
To a man that served the Public.