William Joseph Gallagher

William Joseph Gallagher, age 75 of Lake Forest, Illinois passed away Sunday August 1, 2021 at Lake Forest Hospital. He was born October 12, 1945 in Chicago to the union of William Joseph and Eileen (Marth) Gallagher, Sr.  He graduated from Marian Central Catholic High School in Woodstock, class of 1964. He received a Bachelors degree from Northeastern Illinois University with honors.  Bill began his public service by enlisting in the United States Army in 1966 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant after completing Officer Candidate School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and after serving in various leadership roles during the Vietnam Conflict, he left active duty in 1969 at the rank of Captain. During his service he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal; Vietnam Campaign Medal; Bronze Star Medal; 2 Oversea Bars; Good Conduct Medal. Following his career in the armed forces he achieved a Bachelor's of Arts with honors from Northeastern Illinois University. He went on to graduate from the University of Louisville Southern Police Institute, the FBI National Academy, and the Northwestern University Traffic Institute Executive Management Program. Upon completion of his education he served as an Illinois Sworn Police Officer in the Villages of Winnetka and Lake Bluff for a combined total of 43 years of service. He served 30 years with the Winnetka Police Department, and 10 of which he served as the Chief of Police. Soon after retirement he was appointed Chief of Police for the Village of Lake Bluff on October 29, 2001.  During his tenure in Winnetka and Lake Bluff he accomplished many goals including, retaining reaccreditation status for the Police Department through the Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) in which 35 police departments across the State of Illinois share. He oversaw the implementation of a computer based dispatch system, that facilitated in better record keeping and enhanced communication between dispatchers and Police Officers. A third accomplishment was upholding the Village's community policing model.  He increased the professionalism in the Police department, including the preparation of law enforcement professionals to undertake greater roles in the department.  In his tenure he strengthened the relationship between the Police and Fire Departments. Other notable achievements include becoming an active participant in the Lake County Major Crime Task Force, Lake County Major Crash Assist Team, and the Northern Illinois Police Alarm System Emergency Service Team. As the Chief of Police for Lake Bluff he served as the President of the Lake County Chiefs of Police Association, and President of the Northeastern Illinois Regional Crime Laboratory. He served as a member of the Finance Committee for the Northeast Multi-Regional Training Board and the FBI National Academy Associates, and the Lake Forest and Lake Bluff Rotary Club. Celebrity also brushed him as he served as the Winnetka Police Department contact for the filming of the 1990 movie Home Alone and is included in the movie credits. Bill will be long remembered for his professionalism and get it done and share the credit style. For many local law enforcement leaders, Bill will be missed as a mentor and advisor and all thank him for his amazing openness service and leadership. 

Beloved husband of Carol Lombardo Gallagher. Loving father of the Gallagirls, Gina Marie (Dennis) Sears of Pingree Grove, Carol Marie "Munch" (Jason) Everett of Chicago, Laura Marie (Douglas) Foster of Highland Park. Loving Heepa of Ryan, Emmett, Colleen and Aiden Sears, Rosario and Rebecca Everett, Baby Foster (deceased), Douglas II and Billie Foster. Dear brother of Sharon (late Robert) Fisher of Fridley, Minnesota, Kathleen (James) Morris of Mchenry, late Colleen Gallagher, late Patrick Michael Gallagher, Eileen (Peter) Schroeder of Roselle, Late Maureen (late Christopher) LeBlanc, Late Kevin Gallagher, Late Noreen Key, Laureen (late James) Pilat of Crystal Lake with many nieces and nephews. 

Visitation Thursday, August 5, 2021 from 3:00 to 9:00 P.M. a prayer service will commence 7 P.M. at the Seguin and Symonds Funeral Home, 858 Sheridan Road, Highwood. Funeral Service Friday, August 6, 2021 10:30 A.M. at Christ Church Lake Forest, 100 Waukegan Road, Lake Forest. Interment with military honors at Fort Sheridan National Cemetery, Highwood.  

In lieu of flowers contributions to the Salvation Army in honor of Bill Gallagher.

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