Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

36 years and it seems like yesterday. I think of you often. I can still see your beautiful face. Always a beautiful smile. You brightened up every room you walked into. I miss you. You were always a true gentleman, family man And to me a brother and a great friend. Your heroism and dedication to the people you served will NEVER be forgotten. Your memory lives on. Your beautiful family makes sure of that every day
Until we meet again in heaven.

Rex Delia
NYPD-RETIRED

August 16, 2024

Fidelis Ad Mortem, God Bless you, and may you Rest In Peace.

Frank
NYPD Detective-Retired
MTS Pct/NYDAOS

August 16, 2024

I remember at our graduation Madison Square Garden after the ceremony Joe was outside with his little boy also dressed in an NYPD uniform rest in peace Joe .

Police Officer Santo Russo
NYPD

March 28, 2024

Another year has passed, but your memory still grows stronger. By those who knew and loved you. By the way your family continues to grow in such a beautiful way. Your legacy will live on forever. I miss you my brother and I promise to never forget you. Your beautiful wife Lana is living in Florida along with most of your family. You would be so proud of the way your boys have grown into fine young men. Rest in peace my brother in blue. Until we meet again. Rex Delia

Sgt. Rex Delia. NYPD. RETIRED.
NYPD

August 16, 2023

Dear Joe, I think about you and your family all the time. Especially on this day. You were a great cop, family man and most of all to me a friend. I will never forget you. I know your in heaven with all of our other brothers and sisters who made the ultimate sacrifice. We will all be together again. Rest In Peace brother.

Sgt. Rex Delia. Retired.
NYCPD

August 16, 2022

Joe: Thanks for your service and sacrifice. Narcotics is a tough assignment in the best of times. You sound like someone I would have liked to have known and served with. I've been to NY City several times and know a few officers from NYPD. From a fellow officer in the Western U.S.--thanks for your outstanding service to the NYPD, and being a great husband/and father.

Jim Lopey, Asst. Sheriff (ret.) & NV
Washoe County Sheriff (Reno, Nv.) & NVDPS

August 16, 2022

On July 25th, 1983 I became a member of the NYPD there was a gentleman that sat next to me as we were in the same company, 83-63 with a smile and personality that lit up a room. When we went to Driver Training the instructors were very proud of their timing on the course. They identified one another as having the fastest time. They asked all of us if any thought they could beat their time. We were new and wouldn’t even think of taking on that challenge…..except one person. Joe Galapo raised his hand as the rest of us cringed. He took on the challenge and beat their best in his first try. They, being a little bit embarrassed and humbled asked him what he did before his appointment to the NYPD. He answered that he drove/owned a “yellow cab”. It all made sense now, although we still thought he was a little crazy to have taken on that challenge LOL. He became an instant legend to most of us and also exposed some of the “haters” at the same time. Graduation came upon us and his young son wore a duplicate uniform. Mot a Halloween costume, a legitimate uniform. His beautiful wife, Lana and their son were a hit with everyone, including the press. I have my own personal pics somewhere. Joe was in the adjoining NSU during training and I would run into him once in a while. I would see him at the. Room Kube courts, Central Booking, etc. and remember he was, now in Brooklyn South Narcotics. In August of 1988 my wife and I were home watching the news and found out about this tragic incident. We cried. I went to the funeral and just was in disbelief. How was the first person I personally knew that made this ultimate sacrifice. In 1989 I went to the Police Me
Irish in D.C. and made a pencil rub over his etched name on the wall. Today my son graduated from the NYPD Academy at MSG, the same place Joe and I, amongst many other of my brothers/sisters in blue. With so ma y prayers up for all of their safety to the Lord, Angels, and Saints, I brought the stencil of his name as he is always with us in spirit and hope we can all be blessed

Retired Detective James E. Griffin
NYPD

July 1, 2022

On July 25th, 1983 I became a member of the NYPD there was a gentleman that sat next to me as we were in the same company, 83-63 with a smile and personality that lit up a room. When we went to Driver Training the instructors were very proud of their timing on the course. They identified one another as having the fastest time. They asked all of us if any thought they could beat their time. We were new and wouldn’t even think of taking on that challenge…..except one person. Joe Galapo raised his hand as the rest of us cringed. He took on the challenge and beat their best in his first try. They, being a little bit embarrassed and humbled asked him what he did before his appointment to the NYPD. He answered that he drove/owned a “yellow cab”. It all made sense now, although we still thought he was a little crazy to have taken on that challenge LOL. He became an instant legend to most of us and also exposed some of the “haters” at the same time. Graduation came upon us and his young son wore a duplicate uniform. Mot a Halloween costume, a legitimate uniform. His beautiful wife, Lana and their son were a hit with everyone, including the press. I have my own personal pics somewhere. Joe was in the adjoining NSU during training and I would run into him once in a while. I would see him at the. Room Kube courts, Central Booking, etc. and remember he was, now in Brooklyn South Narcotics. In August of 1988 my wife and I were home watching the news and found out about this tragic incident. We cried. I went to the funeral and just was in disbelief. How was the first person I personally knew that made this ultimate sacrifice. In 1989 I went to the Police Me
Irish in D.C. and made a pencil rub over his etched name on the wall. Today my son graduated from the NYPD Academy at MSG, the same place Joe and I, amongst many other of my brothers/sisters in blue. With so ma y prayers up for all of their safety to the Lord, Angels, and Saints, I brought the stencil of his name as he is always with us in spirit and hope we can all be blessed

Retired Detective James E. Griffin
NYPD

July 1, 2022

Remembering Joe Galapo on his anniversary. Even after all these years-still a hero.
I was blessed to work with Joe’s mom for a few years and remember her wearing his shield.
God bless Joe and the Galapo family.

Marianne Casey

August 16, 2021

Rest In Peace Joe. I only had the honor of knowing you for a short time. We studied for the sergeants exam together and spent time talking together while your team processed arrest. You wanted to make the world a better place and you did. I got to know your wife Lana and your three sons, one of them born after your passing. They are wonderful and I know you are looking down on them keeping them safe. Today marks 33 years Since you made the ultimate sacrifice. You will never be forgotten. Rest In Peace my brother.

Sgt. Rex Delia (retired)
NYPD

August 16, 2021

Happened on my RDO, and I rode my motorcycle to the location and then over to the Hospital for support.

Retired PO Riley G Matthews Jr
NYPD

August 16, 2021

May you Rest In Peace , hero . I pray you always look after your family and keep them safe .

Ret. Po ohara
Nypd mounted

August 16, 2021

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 16, 2020

Although i didnt personally know Joe, i was a patrolman in the 72 pct, and was one of the first uniformed officers at the scene on 4th ave that day. 32 yrs flys by. Joe is still remembered by those of us who were there. God bless, rest in peace.

P.O
Nypd 72pct

May 26, 2020

So many times I've come to read and often I've wanted to write but found it difficult to put my thoughts down.

It's going to be 32 years this year (August 2020). I just can't believe that number! I remember praying to make it thru the first week. Then I set my sights on getting thru the first month, then year and this holiday or that occasion and somehow the days and weeks and months and years went flying by! Almost 32 of them!

The most amazing thing is that he is never far from us. We speak of him often and I made sure that everyone understood it was OK to do that. He was the most "full of life" person and we couldn't be sad every time we spoke of him. So, we tell stories of the insane things he did and (good and bad!!) and the fun times we all had together. Our love for him remains intact and he will always hold a special place in our heart.

Life is "different" since he left us. Different isn't bad...It's just different. It was a big adjustment, especially for the boys but we managed to live a good life. They gave me a run for my money, that's for sure! There was a lot of spoiling them rotten going on! (I was guilty of that too!!). I was really lucky though. We have great family and friends. They stepped up to the plate from day one, my family and Joe's family. My friends and Joe's friends ! Joe's mom and I are best friends too! We speak every morning and every evening!

Then there's our BLUE family. They are the most amazing people ever. The guys in Joe's office, Brooklyn South Narcotics, took care of us and never left us. Not in 32 years!!! We still keep in touch. They are only a phone call away. There's also the rest of the NYPD, they never left us either. I can't name everyone because I'd be here all day but they go from the DEA ,PBA , and so many line organizations. They have helped me more than anyone can imagine and I'm eternally grateful to them. Joe would be so proud of them. They really mean it when they say " They take care of their own".
Even officers from other states we've met along the way treat us like family!

The boys are all grown up now. Dan is living in Florida with his wife and daughter and is a realtor. Robby is living in Brooklyn with his wife, 2 daughters and his son Joe! Richie is in New Jersey and married now also. I'm sure they will be starting a family soon. They are all doing well.

To those of you who have taken the time to leave your thoughts here, I want to thank you. I really enjoyed reading them. They are so touching and I know it's not always an easy thing to do. My youngest son was only a year and 8 months old when we lost Joe and he once, not very long ago mentioned how strange it was that he doesn't remember what Joe's voice sounded like. Many of the "memories" he know's are the memories others have shared.
So I thought I'd ask if anyone had memories of Joe they would like to share here or you can email me ([email protected] ) it would be great to share them with the boys.

Thank you for your prayers and thoughts

PS ...Captain Green... I remember that Lenox Dove candy dish! I still have mine!! :)

Lana Galapo (Helen Lana Galapo)
Widow

March 23, 2020

Fidelis Ad Mortem my Brother. May our Father in Heaven protect and comfort your family until you meet again...

P.O. Charles Houser
Retired

August 16, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. You are honored and remembered on the 30th anniversary of your EOW.

Officer Mike Robinson(Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

August 16, 2018

Another year in a better place my brother. You have paid the ultimate, but your spirit is here by the reflections that are said about you. Continue to rest well and may God always watch over your family, and all of us who will one day meet you on the other side.

Lieutenant Ray Flores
N.Y.P.D. (retired)

August 16, 2017

It was my honor to research newspapers, magazines, online & books to find your ID CARD Photo. I found this photo of you in the 1988 NYPD MEDAL DAY BOOKLET about your heroic sacrifice. I felt it was necessary to have a photo on this website so that your family & friends can remember you. Rest Easy Hero! Always Remembered!

APO Christian Durante
NYPD: 68th Precinct Auxiliary Police Unit

February 5, 2016

I am afraid to think what his partner had to go through after the incident. I hope God gave him some comfort.

Lieutenant David Kane (Retired)
Milwauke WI Police Dept.

August 17, 2015

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 25th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. 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.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your friends for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

February 23, 2013

Joe Galapo Was a good friend and always had a good Heart, we went to the Police Academy together Class 83-68 and car pooled together. I got to know Joe on a personal basis, he had such a great demeanor and was always a person that had compassion for others. He treated Others with the upper most respect. Joe if you can read this We miss you , God bless you and your family , and may you rest in Peace my Brother you taken from us way to soon.

Retired New York City Police
Police Officer Gustavo A Garcia

February 10, 2012

I remember Joe in some good times. I was a Lieutentant in the six- oh Pct , Coney Island Brooklyn. I think the picture of him above was taken in that building. Joseph was assigned there after many years of no hiring. The veterans working patrol were average age about 40. Although he was much younger and a rookie his wonderful personality won over the seniors. He became part of a group , myself included, that got together on days off to have dinner either in each others homes or a restaurant. When it was my turn to host a dinner Joe and Lana and the others came to dinner. Joe and Lana gave me a china dish in the shape of a dove. Friday I am passing on this dish to a friend who lost her daughter last year. She was 25, a nurse. She contracted a disease while at work in Philadelphia Childrens Hospital. She had a tatoo of a dove. Mom and her sisters now have dove tatoos in her memory. I will tell her about Joe and pass the dove on to her. I think Joe and Lana would approve.

Capt. Richard A Green (ret.)
NYPD

August 10, 2011

To The Family of Officer Galapo:
I wanted to offer my sympathies on your tragic death. Your bravery and courage is what sets you apart and you will not be forgotten. My dad was a NYC police officer for almost 40 years. rest in Peace Officer Galapo and Olav Hashalom

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 15, 2011

PO Galapo:
An ambulance was just dedicated to Magan David Adom, EMS in Israel in your memory, by your mother. Twenty one years after your death, you and your family still selflessly give. You are not forgotten, and every year at the Shomrim Memorial Breakfast, you are honored as our fallen brother.

PO Ari Maas
NYPD

November 7, 2009