SCPD Announces The Passing of Former Police Commissioner John Gallagher

SCPD Mourns Loss of Former Police Commissioner John Gallagher

The Suffolk County Police Department mourns the loss of former Police Commissioner John Gallagher who died last night at the age of 84.

Gallagher served as Police Commissioner of the Suffolk County Police Department from 1997 to 2004, a career his family said he was most proud of. He was a graduate of the FBI Academy’s prestigious National Executive Institute and was a guest lecturer at the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA. When Gallagher retired from the police department, then Suffolk County Executive Robert Gaffney awarded him the Suffolk County Medal of Honor, the county’s highest honor. Additionally, the Suffolk County Community College Board of Trustees renamed the police academy at the Grant Campus—The John C. Gallagher Suffolk County Police Academy.

Prior to becoming Suffolk’s Police Commissioner, Gallagher served as Deputy County Executive from 1992 to 1997 under Suffolk Executive Gaffney, during which he advised on public safety issues. Gallagher also served as executive dean of Suffolk County Community College’s Michael J. Grant Campus in Brentwood between 1974 and 1980.

“Former Police Commissioner John Gallagher spent a lifetime of dedicated service to the people of Suffolk County,” Acting Police Commissioner Stuart Cameron said,  “He was a true gentleman and an outstanding leader, who oversaw our department’s response to the tragic September 11^th attacks.  I extend my thoughts and prayers to his family and for those of us in the department who worked under his leadership, we mourn the loss of this incredible man.”

Gallagher’s wife Patricia predeceased him in 2017. He is survived by three children, seven grandchildren and one great granddaughter.

Visitation will be at OB Davis Funeral Home, 1001 Route 25A, Miller Place on Monday, June 21 between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Tuesday, June 22, between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.  A funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, June 23 at St. Louis de Montfort in Sound Beach, time to be determined. Interment will be private.