Holly MatkinCranbury, NJ – Cranbury Police Department (CPD) Officer Todd Galla died on Sept. 18 after suffering a medical emergency while off-duty.
The 51-year-old officer passed away while surrounded by his family members, Cranbury Police Chief Michael Owens said in a press release later that day.
Officer Galla’s exact cause of death was not immediately released.
“It’s with a heavy heart I share the news of the passing of one of our Officers, Todd Galla,” Chief Owens wrote.
Officer Galla, a native of Nova Scotia, Canada, began his public service career working for Trenton EMS, according to his obituary.
He later graduated from the 86th Class of the Trenton Police Academy, and went on to serve as an officer with the Trenton Police Department and the Hightstown Borough Police Department before he joined the CPD 18 years ago.
“He was a cop’s cop and also a very caring person,” CPD Detective Paul Lindenfeld told NJ.com. “His EMS background from his years in Trenton — he always carried that with him.”
Officer Galla was also a certified firearms instructor, president of the Police Benevolent Association Local 405, an annual participant in the Police Unity Tour, and was active in National Night Out events, according to his obituary.
Chief Owens said Officer Galla “served our community with professionalism, integrity, and courage…”
“He will be missed by al his brother and sister Officers,” the chief added.
Officer Galla leaves behind his wife, Denise, as well as his children, Jenna, James, and Connor, according to his obituary.
He is also survived by his parents, grandson, in-laws, and his niece.
Officer Galla was laid to rest on Sept. 23.
We mourn the sudden passing of our member, Cranbury Officer Todd Galla. The veteran officer served with Trenton PD and Hightstown PD before joining Cranbury. His sudden illness and passing has left us all at a loss. Pray for his wife, children, friends and Cranbury PD. pic.twitter.com/6wEq1SXYTo
— New Jersey State PBA (@NJSPBA) September 19, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Cranbury Police Department Officer Todd Galla, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
