May 2023 Team Murph

Memorial Day Weekend (Thurs - Mon)

Memorial Day, a day that has its own unique meaning to each of us.  For most, it’s a time to pay homage to all those who gave their lives in defense of our nation. For a select few of us, a time to reflect on and remember our friends and comrades who fell on battlefields far away. And for the Gold Star members amongst us, it is a day of empty seats at the family table and memories of loved ones held close.

As firefighters who serve the public in a profession with its own risks, we know full well the range of emotions that come with this holiday. We take these risks every tour for a city that may never know our names but will appreciate our service long after the sun sets on our stories. There’s honor in that, and it is worth recognizing that shared core value and experience in the servicemen and women we’ve never met. 

So, how do we honor these fallen heroes in a way that endures? Flowers wilt and die — just like pain, they’re temporary. But, as the proverb goes, glory is forever. We can live a life that people remember and respect, that is deserving of these sacrifices, and we can master our craft and use our strengths to help those in need when the call comes. In this vein, the BFD will host an annual department-wide “Murph” hero workout. This workout honors Navy Lieutenant Michael “Murph” Murphy, a Medal of Honor Recipient who was killed in action in Afghanistan on June 28, 2005. This workout was Murph’s go-to prior to his death and is one of the most popular “Hero” workouts used to recognize our fallen warriors. 

Join us for this workout. It’s one small way for us to honor those who have sacrificed for us and remind ourselves that a little sweat goes a long way. 

**to learn more about the life and legacy of Navy LT Michael, Murphy, check out the link

Members will have the option of completing 1 of 5 Murph versions:

* FFs shall only be counted once toward their firehouse's total

Complete between May 25th - 29th

The firehouse with the most participants wins

Single Engine Companies will have their participants multiplied by 2.

1. Team Murph - here

2. Team Murph GORUCK version - here

3. Individual Murph - here

4. Individual Half Murph - here

5. Individual Murph GORUCK version - here

Click a linked version of Murph (above) for the workout's complete details.

Firehouse Team Captains: Please submit your firehouse roster to healthandladders@boston.gov  by Wednesday, May 31st.

Group and Team pics encouraged.