Deputy takes time to listen, help out
They're often the first faces you see as you enter the Butler County Government Center, but sheriff's deputies offer the community a great deal of protection and services.
“I like working with the public,” said Deputy Dave Murrman. “Each day you work with people, you see two extremes.”
Part of the deputy's responsibility starts at the center's entrance, where they provide security, usually with the assistance of metal detectors and a bag checker.
Throughout the center and across the bridge, deputies also keep the courthouse and those attending court safe, as well as perform routine court duties.
Deputies also are known to give people directions around the center and provide information about concealed carry permits, which the sheriff's office handles.
“My main goal is making sure everyone goes home safe every day,” he said. “That's important to me.”
Outside the building, sheriff's deputies have some obligation to inmates, who they often are responsible for transporting between prisons and jails, health appointments and civil work.
Murrman said one of his least favorite parts of the job is serving people with court documents, eviction notices and protection-from-abuse orders.
“That's a difficult part of the job. There's kids involved, and it's tough,” he said. “You try to do what's best for everybody involved.”Sheriff Mike Slupe said Murrman is one of the best at navigating tricky situations. He said he remembers one instance specifically.According to Slupe, deputies were assigned to evict a woman who had warned them she would shoot anyone who came on the property. He said Murrman approached her.“He had such a rapport with her, she came out and they talked,” Slupe said. “He made that entire situation safe. I'm glad he's working for me.”Murrman said he's always willing to listen to people as long as there is mutual respect.“You don't want to see anybody struggle,” he said. “I like to take the time to listen and get people pointed in the right direction.”Four years ago, Slupe asked Murrman if he had any interest in becoming a deputy, but Murrman said his passion was for law enforcement.Around age 8, Murrman's state trooper father would come home for breaks or for dinner. As a youngster, Murrman would climb into his father's cruiser and listen, examine the equipment and soak in the experience.“I tried to learn as much as I can,” he said.As a young man, Murrman joined the Unionville Volunteer Fire Department as an active member and EMT.Following school, Murrman worked 31 years for A.K. Steel, and during that time joined the Harrisville Police Department as a part-time officer. He served in that capacity for 13 years.
After retiring from A.K. Steel, he was approached by Slupe with the offer to join the department.He went to a mandatory two-week school at Penn State University to train him on deputy-specific items, such as criminal and civilian laws that apply to the job, handcuffing, self-defense, and how to serve court documents officially.Every year, deputies also receive continued education, recertification and training for firearms, Tasers, self-defense and crisis intervention techniques.Murrman returned and settled into a groove.Community outreach is another big part of the job, such as drug collection programs and teaching children about law enforcement in schools.He said he likes to show people there are fellow humans behind the badge, and that includes people on their best and worst day. Today, he couldn't be happier in his role.“I always liked to help the community at the times they needed help the most,” he said. “It was one of the best moves of my life.”
