Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Gallagher, it has been 62 years since you were taken from us. New England law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices you, your family, and many others have made for us. Thank you for your 7 years of law enforcement service.

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

May 26, 2024

Never Forgotten by the Officers Active and Retired of the Boston Police Department.

Retired Boston P.O. Robert E. Anthony Historian

May 25, 2024

Officer Gallagher is not forgotten by the Officers both active and retired of the Boston Police Department

Retired Boston P.O. Robert E. Anthony Historian

May 25, 2023

Another year passes but the memory remains. God bless dad and thanks for your service

Survivor John Gallagher
Merchant Marine

May 25, 2023

Good to know Jack is remembered after all these years. Much appreciated Robert.

Survivor John Gallagher
Merchant Marine

October 6, 2022

Never forgotten by the Officers of the Boston Police Department on your 60th anniversary

Retired Boston P.O. Robert E. Anthony Historian

May 25, 2022

Paul, Thanks for that reflection. It was very well received.

Survivor John Gallagher
Merchant Marine

October 25, 2021

John,
My Dad, John Gabriel, was a fellow Patrolman on night shifts with your dad, and a good friend. I met you back in 1961 when we were just kids, when you and your dad visited our home in Dorchester on a day off. We were about the same age.

I also remember that night when your father passed because my Dad spoke of it often. As I recall, he responded to a bank alarm all by himself. I still stand in awe of the courage it took to do that job alone at night, never knowing what was behind the next door.
My father arrived with other backups and he related how brave your father was. As I remember his telling, they couldn’t reach your dad because his murderer would fire richochet rounds down the granite lined corridor every time they tried. They kept urging your Dad: Hang on Jimmy! hang on! Your Dad hung on as long as he could and he was never forgotten by his brothers.
Along with your father, you were robbed of all those untold stories we got to hear. One of the many life and death encounter stories I remember well always ended with “ I was hanging on like Jimmy Gallagher”. You know - there’s no quitting and no backing off.
I was thinking of that again tonight and it made me look your Dad up. I never imagined I would find this site and your devoted tributes. I had to write this for you. God bless your Mom and Dad and God bless you and your siblings.

Paul Gabriel
Son of a fellow Patrolman

October 14, 2021

Patrolman Gallagher, its now been 59 years since your murder and you have not been forgotten. We honor your sacrifice here and it's always a sad but fitting tribute and reminder that the Boston Police will announce anniversaries of Fallen Officer on all their radio frequencies.

God Bless you and may your eternal rest be ever peaceful, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Department

May 25, 2021

Dad, Hard to believe 58 years have passed. Happy to know you are now united with your one true love Rita now again together at last. God bless and prayers to both. Love, your son John.

Survivor John Gallagher
Merchant Marine

May 25, 2020

Another year passes and still I see reflections by friends acquaintances and others that have known fallen heroes in their lives. I can’t stress the importance of remembering what these brave men and woman do everyday to protect and serve. God bless them all.

Son John Gallagher
Merchant Marine

May 25, 2019

I think of your father often. I was 15 years old and worked on a construction project with your Dad and Eddie Freeman. One day we took a break and had lunch at a tavern in the Lower Mills. It was the first time I was ever in a tavern and most certainly had nothing stronger than a Coke. Your Dad was the first person in my life that I really cared about and lost. He was a really good guy and I'm not sure that Eddie ever recovered from his loss.

Herbert Minkel
friend

December 18, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service. Never forgotten.

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

November 23, 2018

Today’s the anniversary of my dad’s death. I know him as best a seven year old can know his dad. I learn more about him and the brave men and woman like him through the thoughts and reflections on this site. Thanks for your recollections.
To Ned: I knew your dad, Bob and he would visit every now and again a very good man.

John J. Gallagher JR
Son

May 25, 2018

Jack was my father's partner. My father was off that night and I don't think he ever got over it. They were fellow Korean War Marines, partners and the best of friends. During my father's final months, he told me often how much he loved Jack and Rita. I was born after his death and wish I had the chance to meet him. My father was a private guy that only had a few close friends in his life. Jack was at the top of that list.

Ned Dashner
USMC

April 4, 2018

Rest in peace.

Sgt. Jim Russo

May 26, 2017

Remembering dad on the anniversary of his death that occurred while working to Serve and Protect the citizens of Boston.

Son John Gallagher
Merchant Marine

May 25, 2017

Thinking of you this Memorial Day Weekend. Tomorrow I will be running Boston's Run To Remember. Thank you for your service to the city that we love so dearly. Boston Strong!

Former Protective Security Officer (PSO) for Region 1 U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Protective Service Police, Pete Harrington BostonMA

May 28, 2016

John may your Dad Rest In Peace. He will never be forgotten. God Bless You and your entire family.

Sgt David Tarantino
Suffern PD / Rockland Police Emerald Society

May 25, 2016

Tomorrow marks 54 years to the day I sat on the front steps awaiting your early morning arrival home from the night shift.

Little did I know you would not be returning home nor would you be able to receive your birthday present purchased in advance by mom and the girls waiting to be opened in June.

Ever since I have had nothing but respect for all the men and woman that serve and protect. I can honestly say Blue Lives DO matter!

John J Gallagher son of Boston Patrolman John J Gallagher killed in the line of duty, Kenmore Square, 25 May 1962.

May 25, 2016

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

Recently found out that John & I were cousins. His great grandmother, & my great grandmother were sisters [Mary Gallagher & Catherine Keenan] They lived on Clement Ave. in Peabody, MA.I knew them both as a child. I have tried to find his daughters in Boston through email but have been unsuccessful.
If anyone can help..I would appreciate it.Please email me or call me @

Paul K Ryan
cousin

April 21, 2013

It has been truly amazing over the past two weeks to see how much John Gallagher is remembered for being a hero and cherished father and husband. I watched the videos about his memorial service and it was incredibly emotional and touching to see. I never got a chance to meet him, but his memory lives on through his family and he will always be remembered and loved.

Helene Gallagher
grandaughter

June 6, 2012

I mistakenly left an inaccurate date for you eow anniversary. Today marks the 50th anniversary of your death and I am sure you have been missed each of those days by those who called you beloved.

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

May 25, 2012

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. . Your heroism and service is honored today, the 60th 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 25, 2012