Patrolman Patrick J. Gallagher, Chicago Police Department, Illinois

Patrolman Patrick J. Gallagher

Chicago Police Department, Illinois

End of Watch Tuesday, April 14, 1931

Add to My Heroes

Patrick J. Gallagher

Patrolman Patrick Gallagher of the Town Hall station died in the Lake View Hospital from bullet wounds he sustained while trying to quiet a noisy party in the Windsor-Wilson apartments at 915 Wilson Avenue.

The tenant promised to quiet down, but as the policemen left, the noise began again and they returned to knock on the door. The tenant opened the door and fired two shots, one striking Patrolman Gallagher in the abdomen.

The 59-year-old suspect, a retired millionaire grain broker, claimed his pistol went off accidentally. He was tried and acquitted on November 21st, 1931.

Patrolman Gallagher was a United States Army WWI veteran and was assigned to the Town Hall Station. Patrolman Gallagher once received The Tribune Award for Police Heroes. He was survived by four children.

Bio

Age 41
Tour 15 years
Badge 4966
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; Pistol
Offender Acquitted

noise complaint

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Most Recent Reflection

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Patrick J. Gallagher was my great grandfather. He was born in Ireland, came to America as a young man, fathered four, left behind his lovely widow Ellie, and was also a World War I Veteran of the 331st Infantry of the United States army.

He was murdered when my grandmother, Irene Conroy, was 3 years old.

While Great Grandpa Gallagher died far too young in 1931, his spirit lives on.

He has (at least) two great-great grandsons who are poised to carry his fearlessness, toughness, and legacy on well into the 22nd Century (God Willing).

I am grateful to read how many people who never knew him, or my family, still pay him respect on this website. I assure you it is appreciated.

He is buried in Evanston, Illinois, where I went to college. My family and I will be returning soon to pay our respects to this great father and American. I only regret my family didn't let me know where he was buried when I went to Northwestern; I could have visited his burial site sooner, and more often.

Patrick J. Gallagher has been gone for 93 years, but his legacy is not forgotten.

Jeffrey J. Conroy
Great Grandson (Irene was my grandmother; Grandma lived to be 92!)

June 12, 2024