Roll of Honor
Incident
Sergeant Galdi was shot and killed during a foot pursuit of a suspect. He and his partner were returning from court when they observed a vehicle run a red light and strike another vehicle. The suspect attempted to flee the scene and was pursued by the two officers. During the pursuit the man produced a .38 caliber revolver and opened fire at the intersection of North 5th Street and Spring Garden Avenue, striking Sergeant Galdi three times. The other officer returned fire, wounding the suspect. The man was sentenced to life plus 45 years. Sergeant Galdi had served with the Philadelphia Police Department for 21 years and was assigned to the Sex Crimes Unit.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two daughters, and two sons.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-PA-10DC091C- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
21 years. You could have gone home.
Sergeant Galdi gave the Philadelphia Police Department 21 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Philadelphia community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Galdi.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sergeant Ralph M. Galdi is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In PA, 597 of 1,261 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 47.3% of this state's fallen. That is 47.3 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Philadelphia Police Department, 162 of 378 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 42.9% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Ralph M. Galdi's cause is highlighted.
How Ralph M. Galdi Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Ralph M. Galdi is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Ralph M. Galdi was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
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