Widow becomes AZ DPS trooper after husband killed by drunk driver

Tracy Murphy earned her Arizona state trooper badge two years after her Marine husband was fatally struck by a drunk motorcyclist while riding at night. The couple had been married for twenty-one years and were high school sweethearts; Justin, who had recently signed his retirement papers as a veteran, died in March 2024 following an accident that occurred just over ten houses from their driveway. Murphy received the tragic news via phone call shortly after midnight when she was told to prepare herself for her husband's death.

Murphy completed two hundred and fifty-five days of training before graduating as part of Class 39 at the Arizona Department of Public Safety academy months after burying Justin. During a graduation address, Murphy urged new troopers to remember their personal motivations during difficult times, stating she believes Justin would be proud of her decision despite any frustration he might feel from afar.

Now assigned to patrol overnight in Tucson—a region impacted by significant staffing shortages that leave some highways uncovered—Murphy aims to prevent drunk drivers from endangering families. She explained that stopping even one intoxicated driver could save a family from the tragedy she experienced, making her career choice deeply personal and meaningful.