Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Gallagher and I grew up together in Germantown, MD

When I first started school at Germantown Elementary, I was the kid who was always left out. At times, teachers would force others to let me in on their fun and games. Since it has been so long, I am not sure exactly when I met Deputy Gallagher, but it was the early 80's. What I do know is the fact that he would always make sure that I was invited to whatever he and others around were doing. Either be sitting around talking, riding our bikes through the neighbornood and of course soccer, he would invite me to join. Although younger than me, I always thought of him as my older brother; as my mentor for the future. Thank you for making me a better person. Thank you for helping me understand what a true friend really is. -sb

Shakeel Bokhari
Childhood Friend

April 12, 2010

I know its a couple days late But i just wanted to say happy birthday Mikey. you are still missed by many. i think about you all the time. ive seen the accident scene and i get chills. i miss you so much. happy birthday Mikey.

Explorer
Lewis County Sheriff's office

February 27, 2010

Mike,

I just wanted to say Happy Birthday to you today. I haven’t had the courage to write on here yet after so many times of just not knowing how to put things into words. Not a day goes by that you aren’t thought of and missed so very much. I never could have imagined the impact this would have on me, all while realizing that one of my worst fears had now come true. It has only been in the last couple of weeks that I have been up to the collision scene. Driving through Randle starting to cry already, as I knew what lie ahead in the miles to come. I will always remember how your voice sounded on the radio and I will keep that with me forever. You will never ever be forgotten. 246 Out of Service.

Dispatcher
Lewis County, WA

February 25, 2010

I am saddened by the loss of Deputy Gallagher and my condolences go out to his family and fellow officers. I will be riding in this year's Police Unity Tour in honor of Deputy Gallagher and would like to make contact with a member of his family or department. You may email me and I will respond. This will be my fourth year riding in the Tour and I consider it an honor to represent those who have fallen and their survivors. May God bless.

Sergeant Stephen Vaughn
Tallahassee Police Department

February 1, 2010

I still get sad knowing we lost a brother. He was a great guy in the short time i knew him. he will always be missed. i worked security for the private ine and i was outside and workin at the front gate his partner drove in first when they brought deputy Gallagher in I started crying almost immediately. His partner nodded at me the one telling you its going to be ok. I thank all that are serving as the times with our loss are still very tough on us. RIP 246 Gone but not forgotten! my prayers are with your family always.

Explorer 2E2
Lewis County Sheriff Explorer Sergeant

December 22, 2009

I served with Mike in the Army and have many great memories of our time together. He gave me the honor of being in my wedding. My wife and I had lost contact with Mike after my enlistment ended. We had searched for him several times on the internet hoping to reconnect. This evening I received a message from another Army friend whom I had just found telling me of this tragic news. My wife and I sat in shock as we watched the video of Mike's funeral. I am sorry I could not have been there to honor him. Thank you Mike for your kindness and friendship during our time in the Ranger Battalion. Your smile and laugh will always be remembered.

Officer Mark Gasteiger
San Diego Police Dept.

December 9, 2009

I have struggled with the words to write here as I know there are none that can lessen the pain. Sine Mikey's death, I have prayed for his family and friends. I pray their memories will one day lessen the pain. Mike will live on in our hearts.
We will miss him always.

Correction Officer T. Scharber
Lewis County Sheriff

December 1, 2009

I remember hearing about the horrible accident..I heard about it on the radio station..I was hoping for the best.But by the next day,I heard the news and was really sad...
I still see officers everyday both city and county deputies and I always pray that they will return home safely to their families.
I have lived in Chehalis,WA (not far from the Courthouse where the deputies are) and I have always had respect for the badge..One of the things that crossed my mind as soon as I heard about the accident was "hope it wasnt Dept. ________" since there was only one deputy I knew the last name of..Because he had helped my mother once..But this one I didnt know but I may've come across and didnt realize it.

M Gislason
Lewis County,WA citizen

November 30, 2009

Dear Family, Friends, and Co-Workers of Deputy Sheriff Stephen Gallagher,

We are so sorry to here about your tragic loss of Deputy Sheriff Stephen Gallagher. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in support during this very difficult time. We know that sometimes there is little comfort that comes from words. Keep focused as you can on the memories and joyous times for these things may bring you comfort. Rely heavily on family, friends, and other law enforcement for support. Honor your fallen loved one, for their sacrifice will not be forgotten. Deputy Sheriff Stephen Gallagher is a hero.

Respectfully,

Alissa Scott
Widow of Beryl Wayne Scott
E.O.W. 09-10-02

Co-Founder of Survivor Help Network

Anonymous

September 26, 2009

Deputy Sheriff Gallagher,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your community, but also for our Country when you served in the U.S. Army. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous

September 14, 2009

Deputy Mike Gallagher is affectionally known as Mikey. I met him when he started working at our jail. I knew from the get go he was coming out to the road. His eyes would light up when you would bring in a fun one and told him about the arrest. When Mikey came to the road he wanted to learn about all angles of the investigation process. He was one of my best road deputies when it came to this. Mikey would sit with the victims and go over EVERYTHING to help them get there lives back. He truly cared about the citizens of our county. Mikey was never one to sit back and not do something---he would pony up and charge on to help his brothers and sister of law enforcement. Thats how he went out---backing up a fellow officer. Nothing but everything will do for him and his family. I will truly miss my morning work out partner and friend. His goofey smile will always be the first thing I will remember about him. I LOVE YOU BROTHER! R.I.P. 246

Detective
Lewis County Sheriff's Office

September 2, 2009

Mike and I roomed at the academy, Class 619. Mike was what I would call a "team player." He was always aware of those around him who were struggling or needed help. He had no fear of failure, just an attitude of "Let's get it done." Mike was an awesome inspiration to us all. Our class motto was "One team, one goal; one team, one fight." Mike sure was a believer in that motto. Thanks for the good memories, Mike. Hope the best to you and yours. Rest in peace, brother.

Deputy Joe Swenson
Clark County Sheriff's Office

September 1, 2009

Thoughts and prayers are with your family and your agency. RIP Brother in Blue.

Police Officer D. Kirk #309
Round Lake Heights PD (IL)

September 1, 2009

Rest in peace Brother Mike, you are a true Hero and will never be forgotten for your courage and service

Son of G. Truman Wortham EOW 7/15/73

Anonymous

September 1, 2009

"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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Thank you for your service, May God give your family strength- you are a Hero!

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

September 1, 2009

His Judgment Day:
The officer stood and faced his God, Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shinning, Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, Officer, How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek To my church have you been true?"
The officer squared his shoulder and said, "No, Lord, I guess I aint, Because those of us who carry badges can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays, And at times my talk was rough, And sometimes I've been violent Because the streets are tough.
But I never took a penny That wasn't mine to keep.. Though I worked a lot of overtime, when the bills got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help Though at times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept an unmanly tear.
I know I don't deserve a place among the people here. They never wanted me around except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand. I never expected or had too much, But if you don't...I'll understand.
There was silence all around the throne, where the saints often trod. As the officer waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, Officer. You've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on heaven's streets, You've done your time in hell"

Author unknown

May God be with everyone

Motor officer Terry Pauley
Plano PD Plano, TX

August 31, 2009

May you rest in peace, may God help your family through this difficult time.

a corporal's wife
PA State Police

August 29, 2009

To Deputy Mike Gallagher, to all family members and friends who call him beloved, and to his law enforcement family:

I was sorry to learn of Mike's death and extend my sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you have suffered. Words are insufficient to describe the sadness I feel for the Gallagher family. May you find comfort in your faith and the support of the law enforcement community.

There are many police survivors who share this same journey with you, and that community will be there to support you. Mike's memory will be forever honored and revered.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Mike gave to his community and the citizens of Washington and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on August 18, 2009.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg, CA PD, eow 4/24/05

Anonymous

August 29, 2009

Mike was on my patrol squad and a excellent Deputy, he loved his job and the community he served. He will be missed greatly. God needed a hero, he got a awesome one. RIP BROTHER, YOU ARE MISSED GREATLY...

Deputy M.D.Schlecht
Lewis County Sheriffs Office

August 28, 2009

Rest in Peace, Brother.

Ofc B. Grajek

August 28, 2009

God Speed, Brother.

P.O. K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

August 27, 2009

Rest in peace brother and thank you for your service. My prayers are with your family.

Deputy John Latour (retired)
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office

August 27, 2009

Gone, but never forgotten, Rest easy now my Brother in Law, your watch on earth is over.......

Sgt. John L Gulledge(Ret.)
Escambia Co. Sheriff's Office Pensacola FL.

August 26, 2009

Thank you for your service. May God bless you and your family and co-workers during their time of need. May God grant you eternal peace.

PO James McPartland Jr
Mount Vernon PD NY

August 24, 2009

The news of Officer Gallagher's accident brought to mind my own night of terror when he responded to an accident on the same highway in Packwood... I, too, had hit an elk. Thankfully, I can sit here to recall the incident that left my "4wheel-drive-substantially-lifted-front-crash-bar-reinforced-pick-up-truck" totalled. Thankfully, I was physically unharmed. The thoughts and prayers of myself and my family go out to his family. We appreciate the service of Officer Gallagher, and send our sincere condolences.

Citizen Marv

August 24, 2009