SDM offers its sincerest condolences to the family of John Murphy, who passed away yesterday afternoon, and also expresses its sympathy to his colleagues at Vector Security.

Murphy served as president and CEO of Vector Security Inc. from 1991 to 2010. A dedicated industry veteran, Murphy was greatly involved with several industry associations, especially the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA), where he even completed a term as president. Murphy was also with the Electronic Security Association (ESA), the Alarm Industry Research & Educational Foundation (AIREF), the Alarm Industry Communications Committee (AICC), and the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials – International (APCO).

Murphy’s many contributions to the security industry were recognized with numerous industry awards, including the CSAA’s Stanley C. Lott Award, the CSAA’s most prestigious recognition, in 2008; and the SIA, CSAA and ESA’s Triton Award in 2009.

Murphy contributed much to the security industry. He will be greatly missed.

It is with the deepest sadness that we announce that John A. Murphy passed away on October 13, 2010. John was surrounded by his beloved wife, Mary, and his children, John, Mary Beth, Michael, and Thomas.

Mr. Murphy's pride in Vector Security and in the achievements of his staff sustained him. Though the coming days will be hard to imagine without his wisdom and guidance, he always felt that his most significant achievement was working with his staff to create a team that set an example for the industry and was without equal.

Mr. Murphy was dedicated to the necessity of mentoring people within the Vector Security organization and leaves behind a talented senior executive and management staff, who also will be dedicated to maintaining Vector’s core culture and company values. His intuition and visionary knowledge, coupled with his strong financial background, allowed Vector Security to become the standard of financial stability within the industry.

That knowledge, intuition and vision allowed Mr. Murphy to serve the alarm industry in a variety of ways. Since becoming associated with the electronic security industry, Mr. Murphy has been highly active and involved, and was influential with the direction of the industry. From 2005 to 2007, he served as the president of the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA), a leading trade association representing providers, users, bureaus and other agencies of Underwriter Laboratories (UL) listed central station protection services.

Mr. Murphy also served in positions of influence with the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA), now the Electronic Security Association (ESA), and that organization’s coalition, The Alarm Industry Research & Educational Foundation (AIREF). He also served as a member of the Alarm Industry Communications Committee (AICC), which represents the interests of the alarm industry and its customers in communications-related matters; and the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials International (APCO).

In 1991 he became president of Vector Security Inc., a subsidiary of The Philadelphia Contributionship. Under his direction, Vector Security has grown from a small, regional alarm company to be the eighth largest electronic security provider. The company operates more than 30 branch offices located in nine Mid-Atlantic States, Florida and California, as well as a National Accounts Division.

Over the years, Mr. Murphy received numerous awards and recognitions within the industry, most recently being honored as the 2009 recipient of the Triton Award. Bestowed by SIA, the CSAA and the ESA, it recognizes industry statesmanship and efforts to promote good working relationships among the three associations. In 2008, he received CSAA’s highest honor, the Stanley C. Lott Memorial Award, in recognition of his contributions to CSAA and the industry.

Throughout his career, Mr. Murphy has championed many important causes within the industry, including the reduction of false alarms and the improvement of relationships between the security industry, public response agencies and alarm users alike. His experience, wisdom, vision and professional commitment have guided Vector Security to a position as one of the most respected security firms within the industry.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that those who wish send memorial donations in his name to the Director's Fund, Clinical Cardiology, in honor of Dr. Irving Herling at Penn Medicine. Checks should be made payable to Trustees, The University of Pennsylvania and mailed to Ms. Carol A. Forte, Executive Director, Development, Centers & Institutes, Penn Medicine, 3535 Market Street, Suite 750, Philadelphia, PA 19104.