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Incident
Deputy Insalaco was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a suspect on a felony criminal mischief warrant. The suspect shot Deputy Insalaco in the face as he met the officer at his front door. The suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to 25 years to life. He died in prison December 20, 1999. Deputy Insalaco had served with the agency for 15 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his three children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Insalaco gave the Erie County Sheriff's Office 15 years.
Thank you for your service to the Buffalo community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Insalaco.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Erie County Sheriff's Office has lost 5 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
Robert is one of 739 officers killed feloniously in NY, 34.7% of the 2,132 remembered there.
Robert is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Robert is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1987, 1 officer at Erie County Sheriff's Office was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1987, 9 officers in NY were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 32.
In 1987, 97 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 55th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1987, 117 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 50th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Robert was 43. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Erie County Sheriff's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 49; the middle age was 44. Robert had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 19 years.
Robert was 43. Of the 671 killed feloniously in NY whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 43; the middle age was 35. Robert had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
Robert was 43. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 43. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 40% of these deaths at Erie County Sheriff's Office; November holds the most, 40%. Thursdays: 40%.
August holds 8.8% of these deaths in NY; September holds the most, 13.8%. Thursdays: 15.7%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 5 deaths at Erie County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 34.7% of all 2,132 deaths in NY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 21.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Erie County Sheriff's Office has 5 officers remembered here, Robert among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 37-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Erie County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
