GRANITE QUARRY — Officer Murphy Corl was awarded the Granite Quarry-Faith Joint Police Authority’s Medal of Valor on Thursday for his actions during a shooting in 2022 that left him, a deputy and a firefighter seriously injured.

On Dec. 3, 2022, firefighters responded to a reported house fire on Mahaffey Drive and attempted to locate a resident who was still inside. The resident then began firing at the firefighters, injuring one and pinning him down in the nearby woods with continued gunfire.

Corl was one of the officers who responded along with Rowan County Sheriff’s Office deputies to the home.

“Once on scene, law enforcement personnel began to attempt to extract the injured firefighter. Aided only by the glow from the fire, officers moved to (positions) of cover around the house to locate and remove the firefighter. Based on body camera footage, officers are then engaged by a barrage of gunfire,” said Granite-Quarry Faith Sgt. Richard Tester.

Corl was one of three officers who were injured after being struck by gunfire, said Tester. Previous Salisbury Post reporting indicated that Corl was struck in the face and abdomen and another deputy was struck in the hand.

“In law enforcement training, we are all taught that you are never out of the fight. After sustaining two gunshot wounds, Officer Corl engaged the gunman, not retreating from the fight. Officer Corl’s actions after being shot allowed the injured firefighter to be evacuated to safety for medical treatment. After sustaining his own injuries, it was not until this time Officer Corl evacuated himself. Officer Corl’s actions, both before and after sustaining gunshot wounds, clearly prevented additional injuries, if not death by the gunman,” said Tester.

The Medal of Valor is Granite Quarry-Faith’s highest honor, given to those who went above and beyond the call of duty. Tester said that it could be given to an officer who acted in a way that provided extreme risk to their own life or safety and prevented a serious crime, apprehended a dangerous criminal or averts serious injury or death to an innocent person.

“We are forever grateful for you sacrificing your safety to ensure that every one of our people came home that night. Thank you for bringing that patriotic spirit to Granite Quarry and for bringing us closer than we’ve ever been before,” said Granite Quarry Mayor Brittany Barnhardt.

An emotional Corl made sure to honor the other officers who were involved in the 2022 incident and who he said also acted heroically that day.

“I’d also like to recognize Bobby Clement, he’s not here because he’s in training with the military. He was an officer that was struck by gunfire. Also, Corporal (Randal) Addison, by sheer luck he was also struck but it went through his coat and uniform. Corporal Nik Plumley, they all deserve this just as much as me. They were there with me along with other deputies on the scene. I wasn’t the only one and I’d like to recognize those gentlemen for the sacrifices they made,” said Corl.

Tester said that the award came after an internal investigation conducted by him, which was taken to former Police Chief Mark Cook. Cook officially recommended that Corl be awarded with the Medal of Valor.