Kirkland Police Sgt. Pat Gallagher was honored at City Hall Jan. 6 for 30 years of service for the city.

Chief Eric Olsen introduced him to City Council and the audience as one of the most experienced officers in law enforcement, starting his career when Olsen was still in high school. He also cited Gallagher’s performance evaluation as evidence that the police sergeant has always shown a passion for his work and an eagerness to learn and do his job well.

Sgt. Gallagher is the third public servant in the last several months to be honored for 30 years of work for the city.

He started his law enforcement career as an intern with the Spokane County Sheriff’s office in 1974, working there as a jail assistant in corrections and probation. After gaining experience as a sheriff’s deputy, Gallagher was hired by the Kirkland Police Department in November of 1978. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2001.

“I can’t say enough about the department. We set the standard,” Gallagher said.

Pat and his wife Paula have two children, Matt and Melissa, and reside in Bothell. He credited his wife for his success as a law enforcement officer.

“Thirty years … takes a lot of work and dedication,” he said.

Sgt. Gallagher also has experience serving in Patrol, Traffic, and as a member of the department’s SWAT-style unit, the Special Response Team. Gallagher also oversees the department’s honor guard, which represents the city’s several commemerative events such as Sept. 11 Patriot Day.

Staff Writer Kendall Watson can be reached at kwatson@kirklandreporter.com or 425-822-9166, ext. 5052.