Patrick Murphy is a leader of character. He is an Iraq war veteran, former West Point professor, criminal prosecutor, and most importantly, a good family man. Born and raised in Northeast Philadelphia - the youngest of three to a Philadelphia police officer and career legal secretary - he learned at an early age that hard work, sacrifice, and focus will lead you to achieve your dreams. He now lives in Bristol with his wife, Jennifer, and Maggie, their newly born baby girl.

Family

Patrick has always been a devoted family man. He is a devoted husband, godfather, uncle, brother, friend, and son. On June 17th he married Jennifer Safford, a tax attorney born and raised in Lower Makefield. Together, they live in Bristol, and with the birth of Maggie have started a family in a community where they have received an incredible amount of love and support. He believes that when all is said and done, it's the relationship with your family that will stand the test of time. This is one of the reasons he believes good jobs, high-quality health care, and a safe environment are vital for the success of the American family.

Humble Beginnings

Starting out at Bucks County Community College in 1991, he went on to King's College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania and became a cadet in the Army ROTC program. He graduated with a double major and was commissioned as an officer with the rank of Second Lieutenant. Patrick then excelled at Widener University School of Law in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He learned to balance being tough and compassionate while working in the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office, and later as a leader in the Harrisburg Civil Law Clinic, a legal services clinic serving the poor of Harrisburg. He also served as the legislative aide to Representative Thomas Tangretti, a Democrat from Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. His experiences with the justice system, the poor, and the legislature cemented Patrick's belief that every working family deserves the opportunity to achieve the American Dream.
Iraq War Veteran

In 1993 Patrick put on his U.S. Army uniform for the first time. Jack Murphy, Patrick's father, served in the Navy during the Vietnam era and served honorably for twenty-two years as a Philadelphia police officer and sergeant. Two of Patrick's uncles were Army airborne paratroopers and Patrick's brother J.J. serves as a captain in the U.S. Air Force Reserves and is working at their Rescue Coordination Center at Langley Air Force Base. With this background, it is no surprise that Patrick went on to become a West Point professor, airborne and air assault qualified, a JAG Corps attorney, and that he served two deployments after 9/11 - the first to Bosnia in 2002 and the second to Baghdad, Iraq in 2003-2004 as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division. In Iraq, Captain Murphy advised on offensive operations, initiated reconstruction efforts within the justice system, trained the new Iraqi Civil Defense Corps on the rules of engagement and was instrumental in the prosecution of Sheik Moyad, a radical lieutenant of Muqtada Sadr. For his service, Patrick earned the Bronze Star and his unit earned the Presidential Unit Citation.

Educator

Patrick taught America's future military leaders at West Point. He regards this as one of his greatest accomplishments. Touching their lives, he took seriously his charge as an assistant professor of constitutional law and 'values education officer' in developing leaders of character. His reach went beyond the United States Military Academy. He has lectured at the U.S. Air Force Academy and at the International Institute for Humanitarian Rights in San Remo, Italy. He has also taught American government as an adjunct professor at Mount Saint Mary College, currently lectures at the Widener University School of Law, and volunteers his time as a mentor to college and law school students. Much like his sister Cathy, who is a middle school teacher, Patrick believes that a good education is a great investment in America's future and should be a top priority in local, state, and federal government.
Prosecutor & Attorney

Patrick is proud to have worked for justice. Like his father, he devoted himself to making the streets safe. Patrick prosecuted some of the toughest criminals in New York, North Carolina, and even Baghdad. He believes that support for the police, firefighters, and first responders is vital to the safety of our neighborhoods. Formerly, Patrick practiced law at Cozen O'Connor.

Election to Office

On Nov. 7th, 2006 Patrick was elected to represent Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District. Sworn into office on Jan. 4th, 2007, Patrick has pledged to serve his constituents with the same devotion, integrity, diligence and honor he has shown throughout his life.

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