Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman Robert L. Gallowitch

Chicago Police Department, Illinois

End of Watch Wednesday, May 24, 1972

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Reflections for Patrolman Robert L. Gallowitch

To the family of Officer Robert L. Gallowitch,

I salute his memory on the 50th anniversary of the murder.

David Milligan
Chicago Police Department (ret.)

May 24, 2022

Patrolman Gallowitch,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Chicago. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

May 24, 2022

Rest in peace Patrolman Gallowitch.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 1, 2019

Uncle Bob, I have been thinking about you a lot these past few days and what happiness you brought to my life as a child. I remember riding with Bobby on your back around Grandma's living room, still; I have told my children about those shared times with you throughout this week. You will never be forgotten and on this day, I especially remember and honor you.

Pam Butler
Your goddaughter and niece

February 17, 2018

Uncle Bobby, I’ll never forget that day, the day of your funeral, when I stood on your front porch, at the age of 7, saluting the entire time during your 5 mile precession. 46 years later, I still tell my kids about you and how much of an excellent officer you were. You were my hero and you’ll never be forgotten. I will always miss you and love you. Hope you’re throwing a couple back with my dad. Rest in peace uncle Bobby.

Margaret O’Donnell
Family

February 17, 2018

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 25, 2015

God bless you Bobby, many aday wesat in a boat duck hunting on Lakr Michigan. You were one of my inspirations in becoming a Police Officer. May you rest in peace.

Deputy Commander
Lake County, In. Police Dept.

August 21, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. . Your heroism and service is honored today, the 40th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

May 24, 2012

Rest in Peace, Patrolman Gallowitch. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

April 27, 2012

I will never forget the day they came to tell my father, and your family, who were gathered at my house I believe for my brothers communion party. I believe you are the reason that I today am so involved in police memorials and every year when I go to DC for National Law Enforcement Memorial Day, I make a rubbing of your name. I hope you and my father are having a beer and keeping an eye on all of us. We. Will. Never. Forget.

Marikay Guiney O'Brien
Chicago Police Department and Family Friend

September 8, 2011

This marks the 39th anniversary of your ultimate sacrifice. The passage of time does not mean we forget. Your arrival at that jewelry store that day probably saved some lives. The CPD will not allow your sacrifice to be forgotten. Thank you for being a great officer.

Detective Thomas Downes
Chicago

May 24, 2011

Never forgotten! God Bless the Gallowitch family and friends!

Ret. PO
City of Miami PD Fla.

September 13, 2010

The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

October 17, 2007

Each day I try to read the ODMP. Today I read your story. Any officer who dies in the line of duty will always be remembered for his sacrifice. You died a hero. Rest in peace Officer Gallowitch.

Sgtm. T. Lutz
Swiss Army, MP Service

May 31, 2005

Officer Gallowitch,
On today, the 33rd anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Chicago.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

May 24, 2005

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