BPD Remembers: The men and women of the Boston Police Department remember the service and sacrifice of Officer Richard J. Gallivan who was killed in the line of duty 115 years ago. Officer Gallivan was shot and killed while chasing burglary suspects downtown.
Officer Gallivan was a seven-year veteran of the Boston Police Department, Gallivan was 35-years-old at the time of his death. Making his passing ever more tragic, Gallivan left behind and was survived by his wife, brother and sister.
Officer Gallivan was laid to rest at the St. Joseph Cemetery in West Roxbury, MA. His name is located on the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C., Location Panel 42, 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.
A Hero Sign has been placed in his honor at the intersection of Federal Court and Federal Street in District A-1 (Downtown). The sign is 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.