One of the great honors that comes with being mayor is working with a team of dedicated, hardworking, and passionate police officers that make up our Lansdale Police Department. Every day they go out into our community and help improve it in any way that they can. Month after month, stories are shared with me from residents about how an officer performed an act of kindness, bravery or helpfulness that made their day just a little brighter and made Lansdale a better place to call home.
Amongst all the stories that have been shared with me, Sgt. Dan Gallagher’s heroic acts earlier this year standout as valorous and exceptional. Due to his heroic acts, Officer Gallagher was the recipient of an Award of Valor from the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia.
The Award of Valor “honors active duty police officers, police detectives, K-9 units, firefighters and fire police, EMS and EMT, other emergency responders, and law enforcement personnel from the Greater Philadelphia Region for remarkable acts of heroism and for serving as role models in their communities.”
As shared in previous Mayoral Musings earlier this year, while off-duty in Richland Township, Gallagher tackled a suspect—who was brandishing a knife at another officer in a public space—to the ground, and in-so-doing, suffered a non-life threatening stab wound to the shoulder. In my opinion, it is clear why Gallagher was honored and deserved an Award of Valor this year. His actions helped an officer in need and protected the people around him by stopping what could have become a far more serious event.
To put a finer point on Gallagher’s actions, during an event that easily could have resulted in the loss of a life, be it the suspects or a bystander, Gallagher kept that from happening through his intrepidness. It is, in my opinion, the textbook example of valor.
Lansdale is extraordinarily proud to have someone like Sgt. Gallagher in our police department. His bravery, selflessness, and skill highlight the quality of talent that Lansdale Police has in our ranks and showcases it to the rest of the world. Every officer spends hours training for moments like these in the hopes of never having to utilize their skills. Gallagher’s story is a comforting reminder that every officer in our department is ready and willing to act, even when they are least expecting it.
Congratulations to Sgt. Dan Gallagher on his award! All of Lansdale stands behind you and appreciates you.
(Mayoral Musings is a weekly op-ed column submitted to North Penn Now, courtesy of Lansdale Borough Mayor Garry Herbert.)
See also:
Mayoral Musings: Lansdale’s Green Evolution, Part Three
Mayoral Musings: Lansdale’s Green Evolution, Part Two
Mayoral Musings: Lansdale's Green Evolution, Part One
Mayoral Musings: Founders Day 2019
Mayoral Musings: Fiduciary Responsibilities & Trash
