On a tragic day in August of 1987, the life of a dedicated law enforcement officer, Robert S. Insalaco, was cut short. A 43-year-old White male, Insalaco served as a deputy with the Erie County Sheriff's Office for 15 years. His commitment to upholding the law was a defining feature of his life and, ultimately, the cause of his untimely death on August 13, 1987, in the town of North Collins, near Buffalo, NY.
The fatal encounter occurred when Deputy Insalaco was attempting to execute an
outstanding felony criminal mischief warrant. He approached a residence on Jennings Road with the intention of arresting the suspect named in the warrant. As he neared the front door, the very person he was seeking to apprehend met him. In a sudden and violent act, the suspect discharged a. 44 caliber pistol at point-blank range, striking Insalaco in the face and causing his immediate death.
The aftermath of the shooting saw a swift response from the justice system. The individual responsible for Deputy Insalaco's death was quickly taken into custody. Following the investigation and legal proceedings, the suspect was convicted of murder. A sentence of 25 years to life in prison was handed down, ensuring that the perpetrator would be held accountable for his actions. The convicted individual remained incarcerated until his own death in prison on December 20, 1999. Deputy Insalaco, a father of three, was survived by his children and is remembered for his dedicated service and sacrifice.
