NYPD Hero Retires After Decades of Service

Legendary NYPD highway sergeant James Gatto bid farewell to his beloved motorcycle on Thursday, wrapping up more than 40 years as a motorcycle officer who has had the honor of escorting numerous high-ranking officials through the bustling streets of New York City.

At 62 years old, Gatto was honored with the NYPD’s traditional “walk-out” ceremony at the 122nd Precinct on Staten Island, where family, friends, and colleagues cheered as he rode his trusty bike one last time.

“I always had this dream of being in law enforcement when I was younger,” Gatto shared on his final day in uniform.

“Joining the NYPD, I had the chance to work alongside veterans from World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam. They all loved their country and their city. It was a real privilege to serve the public,” he reflected.

“People often ask why I joined the police. Honestly, it wasn’t for the paycheck,” he said, emphasizing his commitment.

During his career, Gatto has escorted hundreds of VIPs, including eight presidents and three popes. However, he found his most meaningful role in escorting the families of fallen officers to their funerals.

He and his colleagues felt a profound duty to provide comfort to grieving loved ones during their hardest moments. “They’ll always remember how the NYPD, especially the highway patrol, treated them on those days,” Gatto noted.

“I felt good about how we cared for the families. Grieving is such a personal experience, and knowing we could make some small difference brought me real joy,” he added.

Gatto often participated in the New York City Marathon each year, eagerly anticipating the thrill of running alongside joyful crowds.

Growing up as the son of a mechanic, he was thrilled to blend his passion for motorcycles with his commitment to public service. He started on minibikes and dirt bikes in his youth, eventually transitioning to street bikes.

“The first time I entered the police station, I saw all those guys on motorcycles and thought, ‘Wow!’” Gatto reminisced.

“I wasn’t familiar with the Highway Patrol, but I knew they rode Harleys. If I could earn a living riding motorcycles, I was all in!”

Gatto joined the NYPD Highway 2 in south Brooklyn in 1987 and recently retired from Highway 5 in Staten Island. He’s proud that both of his sons have followed in his footsteps: one serves as a Highway Patrol sergeant, while the other works as a detective in Staten Island.

Even in retirement, Gatto remains active by serving on the board of the Sergeants’ Benevolent Association, continuing his lifelong commitment to law enforcement. “I truly love my job. If retirement wasn’t mandatory by my 63rd birthday, which is coming up on October 11th, I’d still be out there,” he expressed.