Patrolman John J. Gallagher, Boston Police Department, Massachusetts

Patrolman John J. Gallagher

Boston Police Department, Massachusetts

End of Watch Friday, May 25, 1962

John J. Gallagher

Patrolman John Gallagher was shot by a burglar at Shawmut Bank in Kenmore Square when responding to an alarm.

The subject ambushed Patrolman Gallagher in the basement and shot him once in the chest, and then in the knee. Patrolman Gallagher died at Beth Israel Hospital.

The man was sentenced to death, but the sentence was commuted to life in prison. He died while incarcerated.

Patrolman Gallagher was survived by his wife and three children.

Bio

Age 33
Tour 7 years
Badge 1308

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Sentenced to death

burglary

Most Recent Reflection

View all 23 Reflections

Jack was my father's partner. My father was off that night and I don't think he ever got over it. They were fellow Korean War Marines, partners and the best of friends. During my father's final months, he told me often how much he loved Jack and Rita. I was born after his death and wish I had the chance to meet him. My father was a private guy that only had a few close friends in his life. Jack was at the top of that list.

Ned Dashner
USMC

April 4, 2018