Chief Joseph Lynn Murphy, age 62, served as a pillar to Henderson County and the state of Tennessee for many years. Lynn was born on September 30, 1962, and started his career in emergency services with the Henderson County Fire Department as a teenage volunteer. He served at Station 3 in Parker’s Crossroads, Tennessee, where he grew and climbed the ranks of the station to become the district chief.

His professional career started in the mid-80s as a dispatcher for the Sheriff’s Department, where he progressed up to ultimately becoming the director for 911.

In 1997, Murphy, as most called him, was selected to become the fire chief for Henderson County, where he served with honor until his sudden death. Chief Murphy had a reputation as a fire chief for the firefighters. On the day of his death, he responded, along with his men, to an 0200 early morning call. Many of his firefighters have expressed what a calming and comforting sound it was to hear “Car One responding” when en route to a late night fire. Chief knew every road, lane, landmark, and water source in the county, and his experienced “leading from the front” style will leave very big shoes to fill!

In addition to his 27-year career as chief, he also served as emergency management director in a dual role. Furthermore, Murphy had the distinction of serving a term as president of the Tennessee Fire Chief’s Association. He has directed the department in many state programs through the years, always wanting to be the first to try the program and better it with ideas if he had them. One of his proudest accomplishments is the successful “Get Alarmed” program, offering free smoke alarms to citizens. Lynn brought Henderson County to lead this state-funded program for most alarms installed in all 95 counties.

Chief also managed to twice improve the departments Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating, which directly impacts county insurance rates for homeowners. He was a gifted grant writer, which saved many local tax dollars. With Chief, you knew you would get an answer that was honest and pure. Chief Murphy had the dedication and drive in his heart for the community he served and loved. He expected no recognition or pats on the back.

Chief Murphy served as a deacon at his church and loved to fish as a way to relax and de-stress. He will always be remembered and loved for his selflessness, kindness, sense of duty, and love for his family, friends, community, and his firefighters.