Retired Officer Michael Barbagallo Newest Wolf Den Of Hero

We are excited to announce the Wolf Den of Heroes Inductee for June 2026. This is the sixth first responder to be inducted into the Wolf Den of Heroes this year. Selected from the nominations we received, The Wolf is thrilled to honor this month's hero, who is now retired, but part of his career was serving on the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department for 30 years.

The Wolf has teamed up with Mid Hudson Pump Company, MHA of Dutchess County, and Rutberg Breslow Personal Injury Law to select one of our area's first responders to be inducted into the Wolf Den of Heroes from among everyone who has been nominated to date. This month, we will honor someone who has served in his community as a Police Officer.

Meet the Newest Member of The Wolf Den of Heroes

City of Poughkeepsie Police Dept Facebook

The Wolf Den Inductee for June 2026 is Retired Officer Michael Barbagallo. Ret. Officer Barbagallo was nominated by Sean Fitzgerald. Sean shared a story from the City of Poughkeepsie's Facebook page, which recounted how Ret. Officer Barbagallo arrived at a structure fire this past February within a minute of the call. He was able to enter the building to locate and assist in evacuating residents. His quick action meant the fire department could start fire suppression when they arrived.

His decisive actions helped multiple occupants escape and prevented what could have resulted in serious injury or loss of life. City of Poughkeepsie's Facebook

The City of Poughkeepsie PBA shared the comments below on its social media when Ret. Officer Michael Barbagallo retired.

On April 27, 2026, Officer Michael Barbagallo retired after more than 30 years of service to the City of Poughkeepsie. Mike began his career with the Village of Wappingers Falls Police Department before transferring to the city. Through the course of his career, Mike served as a Crime Scene Technician and was formerly a member of the Emergency Services Unit. Mike was previously assigned to the Dutchess County Drug Task Force and Patrol Division but spent the majority of his career in Community Policing as a K9 Officer. Along with his previous partners, K9 Drago and K9 Falcone, Mike was a fixture in the community. Over the years, Mike and his partners were responsible for multiple arrests and assisted in multiple investigations all while helping to build connections in the community. Mike met weekly with elementary school children for “Cocoa with a Cop” and helped to lay a positive foundation for the relationships kids would later develop with the police department . On behalf of the City of Poughkeepsie PBA, best of luck of your well-deserved retirement.

Nominate A First Responder for the Wolf Den of Heroes for 2026

Now that you have read Ret. Officer Barbagallo's story, please take a moment to tell us about a first responder you know. Nominate them to be inducted into the Wolf Den of Heroes. Tell us their story and why you believe they deserve to be recognized for their efforts in our community.

It is easy to nominate a first responder you know. Please complete the form on our website. Be sure to take a minute to share some information about the person you are nominating, and please feel free to send us a picture or two. We look forward to putting a spotlight on someone you know in 2026.