Officer Down Memorial Page - http://www.odmp.org

Patrolman Robert J. Gallant | Berwick Police Department, Maine
Berwick Police Department, Maine

Patrolman

Robert J. Gallant

Berwick Police Department, Maine

End of Watch: Saturday, September 11, 1982

Biographical Info

Age: 23
Tour of Duty: 11 months
Badge Number: 4

Incident Details

Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: September 11, 1982
Weapon Used: Automobile; Alcohol involved
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 4 years

Patrolman Robert Gallant was struck and killed by a drunk driver while at the scene of a domestic disturbance.

He was interviewing the female participant, and both of them had begun to walk back toward the house. As they did so, Patrolman Gallant heard an approaching vehicle. He turned around in time to see that the vehicle was about to strike the two, and he pushed the female out of harm's way. The vehicle struck him, causing fatal injuries.

The 20-year-driver was apprehended the next day. He was convicted of manslaughter, leaving the scene of an accident, and driving with a revoked license, and sentenced to four years.

Patrolman Gallant was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in saving the life of the woman.

He had only been with the Berwick Police Department for 11 months. He was survived by his mother.