GILBERT C GALLAGHER
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Officer Rank: Deputy Sheriff
Memorial Panel: 40-W: 27
Department: Whitman County, Washington, S.O.
End of Watch: April 17, 1949
Cause: SHOT
Age: 28
Years of Service: 4
Description: Deputy Gallagher was shot by a mentally deranged suspect in what was later termed the "Easter Massacre." Officer Elbert Claar and Sheriff Levi Parnell were both killed in this incident. Deputies Jim Hickman and Clarence Davis were wounded but survived. The suspect shot Officer Claar with a .22 pistol three times when he attempted to question him about a fight and arrest him for violating his parole. The suspect took Officer Clarr's nightstick and beat him to death. The suspect fled to the hills, followed by a posse. He shot Sheriff Parnell and Deputy Gallagher with a rifle from a sniper position as they stepped from their vehicles. The suspect was fatally shot by a posse.
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