Salon Meritage Cop Named Officer of Year

When Officer Kain Gallaugher got the radio call that shots had been fired at Salon Meritage in Seal Beach, he knew it was different. This wasn't a case of firecrackers being mistaken for gunfire. It was clear an actual shooting was in progress and people were in grave danger. 

Like someone possessed, Gallaugher raced to the scene on his motorcycle, splitting the lanes between cars as an eerie sense of focus washed over his nerves. He cranked up his police radio, not wanting to miss a single detail, knowing it could mean the difference between someone’s life and death.

Gallaugher was the second officer on the scene, which he said was the most horrific and intense experience of his career. He knew some people were already dead, some were critically injured, and others would be emotionally traumatized.

He sprang into action and began helping with triage, checking victims' vital signs and assisting paramedics. He also had to manage all the survivors hiding in back rooms and escort them outside.

After the chaos calmed, Gallaugher was instrumental in securing a search warrant for the suspect’s vehicle. As one of the first police at the murder scene, his observations went directly into the report filed with the judge.

And then he was finished. Finally, after 30 straight hours, Gallaugher went home to his wife, 20-month-old son, and an 8-year-old nephew he raises. 

Today, in recognition of Gallaugher's skills and work over the past year, he is being honored as Los Alamitos Police Officer of the Year at the city's 30th Annual Police Officer Appreciation Luncheon, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce.

“I’m honored to say the least,” Gallaugher told Patch. “It feels good to be recognized among so many great officers who are just as deserving of the award.” 

Gallaugher, 33, has been on the Los Alamitos police force about six years, including two as a motorcycle officer. He holds numerous special assignments, including motor officer, lead investigator on the STAR team (Serious Traffic Accident Response), field training officer, range master, technology committee member, mobile command post operator and court recognition expert.

But he said his favorite achievements involve confiscating items that threaten public safety. 

“Finding guns or getting something off the street that could have potentially hurt someone is always a proud moment,” Gallaugher said. 

About two years ago, Gallaugher tried to pull over a truck. He turned on his lights, but the driver didn’t yield right away. Gallaugher called for backup, sensing potential trouble. After about 45 seconds, the driver finally pulled into a parking lot. Backup arrived, Gallaugher approached the vehicle and removed the driver.  

And then he saw a holster wedged between the seat cushion and the center console. He searched the console and found a gun.

“When you’re conducting traffic enforcement and you pull someone over, it's really one of the most dangerous aspects of our job,” Gallaugher said. “When I found the holster ... it was basically in the ready position for the driver.”

Growing up in Whittier, Gallaugher originally wanted to be a pilot. Instead, he applied for the FBI. But during that process, he had a last-minute change of heart. Two weeks later, he was in the police academy. 

Gallaugher has a degree in computer technology and, since joining the force, has taken more than 700 hours of training courses. His efforts haven't gone unnoticed.

“He has been a standout and I congratulate him for all his efforts,” City Councilwoman Marilyn Poe said.

Gallaugher hopes to someday be a sergeant and work as a detective—the only assignment he hasn't done yet.

“Kain is a great officer, an outstanding motorer and a great investigator,” said Sgt. Tom Raso. 

Gallaugher also has a past hobby he may resume. Before joining the police academy, he was a professional drag racer. He started in a junior league when he was 10 and in the professional bracket when he turned 18. One year, he even placed 1st in the championship standings.

“I raced cars that went from 0 to 180 mph in eight seconds,” Gallaugher said.  “And now it's kind of ironic that I issue speeding tickets.”