New boating safety center unveiled at Blythe Landing honors late Cornelius officer
CORNELIUS, NC (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Joshua Murray loved the water, so it was only right for him to become a Cornelius police officer and patrol the waters.
“He was constantly on the water. He was sharing videos all the time on his TikTok, especially,” said his cousin Andra Cole.
Murray’s family says boating safety was his mission. He wanted to ensure everyone’s safety, especially children.
On December 29, 2021, Murray passed away from a massive pulmonary embolism while off duty.
On Saturday, Murray’s fellow officers dedicated the Joshua Murray Boating Safety and Education Center at Blythe Landing in his honor.
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“The point was to shed some light on safety at this location. My understanding is that there are an unfair number of deaths and fatalities. And this is a dedication to my brother and to the general safety attitude of this,” said Murray’s brother Andrew.
Cornelius Police say the building dedication comes in response to more than 20 drownings that have happened on Lake Norman in the past three years.
Authorities say most of those deaths could have been prevented if the victims were wearing flotation devices.
“I want them to associate making good decisions, making decisions that not only protect you and yours, but those around you,” Andrew said.
The center, located inside the old commissary, includes a classroom for boating education and safety classes. A safety video will also be played on a loop to remind those entering the water how to return safely.
“Joshua Murray was an excellent law enforcement officer. He was just so into boating safety in the dedication ceremony here a few moments ago. His father actually said he was a goofball. And I concur with that comment. He was just an incredibly generous, kind person. So into his role as a law enforcement officer and as an educator,” said Staff Officer Steven Riggan with the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
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The U.S. Coast Guard’s local chapter will use it as a communication center.
“We teach boating safety classes. We also do something called a free vessel safety check, which we’re doing here today by climbing as well. That’s just to check boats for the required equipment and also to help educate the boater one-on-one about boating safety,” said Staff Officer Riggan.
“My brother, Joshua Murray, AKA McFlurry, had a giant heart and a giant person. He loved spreading the word of not just safety, but good, good deeds, and his general attitude towards life was to give more than you take.”
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