10/23/2026
Today’s Legacy Friday honors Patrick Gallaway—a National Director who still describes himself simply as a prison guard from Attica.
Patrick began his New York corrections career in 1994. Over 27 years, he served in five maximum- and medium-security facilities, working in mounted patrol, managing cell blocks and retiring from Attica as a security locksmith.
In 2001, Patrick completed critical-incident support training and later became Assistant Western Hub Coordinator, helping correctional professionals following major incidents across New York.
His life changed at PROJECT 2000 in Buffalo in 2010.
Patrick attended with the Attica Honor Guard and watched CPOF honor the fallen, surround their families and remain part of their lives.
“I didn’t just want to attend this event,” he later recalled. “I wanted to be part of it.”
Patrick helped bring Attica’s team to PROJECT for the next 11 years, missing only 2015 while assisting with the Dannemora escapee manhunt.
He also helped create the Attica Prison Preservation Foundation and museum, working with CPOF Founding Director Glenn Mueller and dedicated volunteers to preserve the experiences of Attica’s correctional employees, victims and survivors.
Patrick joined CPOF’s National Honor Guard in 2021 and became its New York State Representative in 2023. He was selected for the Board of Directors in 2025.
His service also includes volunteering as a firefighter and EMS provider with the East Pembroke Fire Department.
At PROJECT 2000 ###VII, Patrick stood before the correctional family as a National Director—but made something clear:
“I don’t just stand here as a Director. I stand here as one of you.”
Patrick’s legacy is not defined by moving away from the front line. It is defined by carrying its people, experiences and lessons with him.
Read Patrick’s complete Legacy Friday story:
https://cpof.org/news/legacy-friday-patrick-gallaway-the-prison-guard-who-chose-to-be-part-of-it/
If you have a photograph or memory of Patrick to share, we would be honored to hear from you.
