One of the traditions followed during the course of a firefighter’s funeral is the Last Call. Colin Murphy’s was written by Dayton Police Chief Nicholas Dunbar. It was broadcast by the Webster County Communications Center during the graveside service in Dayton Saturday.

Murphy, 23, died June 19 when he drowned in the Des Moines River in Lehigh. He was also a reserve Dayton police officer.

Police and firefighters from many area agencies helped honor Murphy during a service Saturday at United Methodist Church.

Last Call

The pager tones for Dayton Fire are sounded. They can be heard from the cabs of parked fire trucks, the belt pagers of firefighters and by the citizens who are listening on their scanners. “Webster County – Dayton Firefighter Colin Murphy.” Dispatch pauses briefly. “Webster County – Dayton Firefighter.” Dispatch pauses again. “Having heard no response from Firefighter Colin Murphy, we know that Colin has responded to his last call on earth and that the fire department in the hereafter has a new responder. Firefighter Colin Murphy served the citizens of Dayton and Webster County for six years. We appreciate Colin’s dedication and his family’s sacrifices during the time Colin was a firefighter.

Firefighter Colin Murphy has now become a guardian who will help watch out for all firefighters and first responders as they respond to emergencies. Firefighter Colin Murphy completed his tour as a firefighter in this life. Be safe until we meet again.”

After a few seconds, dispatch signs off. “Webster County clear at 11:23 hours.”