Dennis Murphy of Grand Junction was one of 10 Iowans honored with the Governor’s Lifesaving Award at the Iowa State Fair Aug. 19. With him were his wife Misty, his mother Barb Murphy, his four children, and Adrienne and Richard Smith of Jefferson.
Adrienne Smith nominated Murphy for the award for lifesaving assistance he provided her last Nov. 12.
Smith was a longtime volunteer for P.A.W.S. (People for Animal Welfare Society). That day she had taken a 100-lb coon hound from the animal shelter for a walk at nearby Daubendiek Park. The dog became aggressive and began nipping at her legs and feet. The aggression escalated, with the dog tearing off Smith’s gloves and grabbing her coat. As she struggled to retain her balance – she outweighed the dog by only about 30 pounds – the dog tore her coat and fleece jacket off her.
Just as she was becoming exhausted and fearing for her life, Dennis Murphy drove past and saw her struggling and partially unclothed. He grabbed the dog and wrestled it to the ground. He held it there until Jefferson police officers arrived.
Smith suffered an injury to her knee that ultimately led to surgery in January. She suffered a bite to her forearm and scratches to her face.
According to Smith, “Dennis Murphy will always be my angel. He saved my life.”
The Governor’s Lifesaving Awards Ceremony recognized citizens who helped when someone needed critical assistance.
