Legendary Lt. Robert DiMartini, who retired from the NYPD’s Street Crime Unit in 1989, has passed away at the age of 80 after suffering complications from a stroke. DiMartini, known for his fearlessness and uncanny ability to locate criminals carrying guns, was considered “a legend in the NYPD” by fellow officers. With over 500 medals to his name, he was “the most decorated officer in NYPD history.
DiMartini served as a plainclothes officer in the notorious 41st precinct of the South Bronx, known as “Fort Apache,” during the 1970s and ’80s. His extensive knowledge of the law and familiarity with his surroundings allowed him to quickly identify and apprehend criminals. Colleagues often remarked on his ability to “smell a gun from a block away.
In the mid-to-late 1980s, DiMartini worked in the street crime unit alongside Peter Pranzo, focusing on the Bronx but also tackling other areas of the city where they were undercover. As head of the Bronx robbery squad from 1980 to 1985, his two-man teams made an impressive daily average of 15 arrests and five gun confiscations.
Retired NYPD sergeant and unofficial historian for the department, Mike Bosak, stated in 2015 that DiMartini “probably took more guns off the street than any other police officer in the history of policing in America.” At that time, he had amassed an impressive 476 NYPD awards, making him the most decorated cop in the department’s history.
Pranzo said that DiMartini received more awards during his last few years on the job than ever before. His daughter, Liza DiMartini, penned a tribute earlier this summer, calling her father a “hero” who was respected by all who knew him.
Peter Pranzo described DiMartini’s reputation as “one of a kind,” praising his dedication to both family and work within the NYPD. The legendary Lt. Robert DiMartini leaves behind a lasting legacy as one of the most decorated and respected officers in New York City history.
