The DEA regrets to announce the passing of retired Det. Robert Gallagher, Sr.
Nicknamed “Bobby Guns,” Det. Robert Gallagher, Sr. has been called the most decorated Detective in NYPD history. By 1984, he had arrested more than 1,200 offenders and been awarded 210 citations for outstanding police work and valor. He was the recipient of the very first Governor’s Police Officer of the State of New York Award. On Medal Day in 1979, he received a Combat Cross, but wound up in seven gun battles during his legendary career. Among his commands were the Tactical Patrol Force (TPF), the original Street Crime Unit, and a Robbery/Gun Task Force. Taking illegal firearms off the street was his specialty, along with narcotics busts.
If you have access to the New York Times archives, you can read this 1984 article about Det. Gallagher and his award from Governor Cuomo here:
https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1984/05/18/200548.html?pageNumber=1
Det. Gallagher’s wake and funeral information is as follows:
Wake
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Bryant Funeral Home
411 Old Town Road.
Setauket-East Setauket, NY 11733
Funeral
Thursday, December 14, 2023
St. James RC Church
10:45 a.m.
429 Route NY-25A
Setauket, NY 11733
May he rest in peace.
