BPD Remembers: Today the men and women of the Boston Police Department remember Officer John J. Gallagher who was killed in the line of duty 62 years ago today. On Friday, May 25, 1962, Officer John Gallagher was shot by a burglar after responding to an alarm call at Shawmut Bank in Kenmore Square. He was ambushed by the suspect while attempting to clear the basement area of the bank.
Officer Gallagher had served the department for 7 years at the time of his death. Making his passing ever more tragic is the fact that he was survived by and left behind his wife and three children.
Officer Gallagher is buried at the New Calvary Cemetery in Mattapan. His name is located on the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C., Panel 25, West Line 10. His name is also forever engraved on the Hero Wall at Boston Police Headquarters and the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Memorial at the State House in Boston.
In Boston, a Hero Sign is posted near 540 Commonwealth Avenue to forever honor the memory of a man who gave his life in service to his city. If you ever find yourself in the area and you happen to see his Hero Sign, kindly take a moment to honor and acknowledge the service and sacrifice of a brave man who died protecting and serving his city.
