If he was looking for public acclaim, Boston Police Superintendent John Gallagher picked the worst time to start his career as a cop. Just the year before, in 1968, the Democratic National Convention in Chicago broadcast police brutality nationwide.

“The police (were) being portrayed in the media as brutal and out-of-control type guys,” Gallagher said. “But then I turned to my pal Jack. This guy wasn’t that way.”

Gallagher retired last week after three decades of service on the department, one of the best liked and most respected commanders on the force. The reason he joined the department was a family friend coincidentally named Jack Gallagher. That Gallagher was killed in the line of duty in May 1962 by a bank burglar. At the time, John Gallagher was 11. 

“Jack Gallagher was a real influence on me,” he said. “Just the way he was - so, I guess, caring. He was a very generous guy who was fun to be around.”

John Gallagher started as a cadet from 1969 to 1973, then returned to the department in 1979. He worked his way up from patrolman in the South End to the Drug Control Unit, and eventually was appointed chief of the Bureau of Investigative Services.

One of his admirers was legendary Dorchester Det. Jay Greene, who worked in the Drug Control Unit. He said Gallagher’s talents went beyond police work.

“He can hit a softball from the left side,” Greene said. “He was an outfielder, and I’m telling you he could smack a ball to the fences.”

Gallagher won respect as a compassionate commander who tried to help cops professionaly and personally.

“I always felt everybody had a role to play,” he said, “and everybody’s input was valuable.”