Sergeant Who Escorted 7 Presidents Retires
A Final Ride Filled with Honor: NYPD Sgt. James Gatto Bids Farewell After 40 Years of Service
For one last ride, 62-year-old NYPD Sergeant James Gatto climbed onto his motorcycle its side proudly bearing his name—bathed in the red and blue glow of emergency lights reflecting off the walls of Highway Patrol Unit 5’s garage in New Dorp, Staten Island. But this time, the roles were reversed. Instead of leading the elite motorcade escort for a U.S. president—a duty he’d performed with distinction for nearly a decade it was Gatto himself who was being honored with a ceremonial send-off befitting a leader of his caliber.
On Thursday afternoon, over 100 guests gathered at the 122nd Precinct for Gatto’s official retirement ceremony, a heartfelt tribute to his four decades of unwavering service to New York City. Family members, fellow officers, community leaders, and elected officials filled the room, many visibly moved by the moment. As his longtime friend and commanding officer of Highway Patrol Unit 5, Lieutenant Joseph Bell, put it, the occasion was “bittersweet” a mix of sorrow at his departure and immense pride in all he had accomplished.
A Career Forged on the Streets—and the Open Road
A resident of Great Kills, Staten Island, Gatto began his NYPD journey in 1985 at the 71st Precinct in Brooklyn. He later transferred to the 66th Precinct before finding his true calling in 1987 with Highway Patrol Unit 2. After a brief assignment at the 120th Precinct in St. George following his 2001 promotion to sergeant, he joined Highway Patrol Unit 5 in 2002—a home he would never leave. For the past 23 years, he has served Staten Island with dedication, professionalism, and quiet humility.
Gatto’s early days in the Highway Patrol involved “unseen escorts” background support roles that required precision and discipline. His talent and reliability soon caught the attention of supervisors, earning him a spot in presidential motorcades. Eventually, he rose to the prestigious position of “wedge” the lead motorcycle officer who rides directly ahead of the presidential vehicle, clearing the path and setting the pace for the entire motorcade. He held this high-profile role for nearly a decade, representing the NYPD on the national stage with honor.
A Legacy That Lives On Through the Next Generation
Perhaps Gatto’s proudest achievement isn’t etched in medals or commendations, but in the footsteps of his two sons—both of whom followed him into the NYPD. James, 38, serves as a sergeant with the Staten Island Robbery Squad, while Dominick, 36, is a sergeant in the very same Highway Patrol Unit 5 his father helped shape. In a full-circle moment during Gatto’s final presidential escort, his son rode alongside him as part of the wedge team.
“As any parent would tell you, it’s a very proud moment,” Gatto reflected. “I was proud when they graduated from the police academy, proud when they found their own paths in their commands, and extremely proud when they earned their sergeant stripes.”
Both sons were present at the retirement ceremony, standing among the crowd that came to celebrate not just a decorated officer, but a devoted father and mentor. “It speaks volumes about the kind of man he is,” said James Gatto, an Eltingville resident. “The turnout today so many people showing up for him—just shows how deeply he’s touched lives, both in uniform and at home.”
Honors, Gratitude, and a Community’s Appreciation
The ceremony was more than a farewell—it was a testament to Gatto’s impact. He received formal recognitions from local elected officials, heartfelt tributes from his brothers and sisters in blue at Highway Patrol Unit 5, and a special acknowledgment from the Seton Foundation. The foundation, which operates three schools on Staten Island for children with special needs, has long benefited from the unit’s annual holiday toy drive—a tradition Gatto helped champion.
Lieutenant Bell summed up the sentiment of the day: “I want to thank you for your loyalty, your dedication, and the foundation you’ve built over the years part of what makes Highway Patrol what it is today. You’re a true friend, and I’m proud to call you that.”
After accepting his honors, Gatto walked into the Highway Patrol Unit 5 office one final time to sign his End of Tour paperwork a quiet, symbolic act marking the close of an extraordinary career. Surrounded by his wife, Diana, his parents, and his sons, the moment was both personal and profound.
As the last echoes of his motorcycle faded into the Staten Island evening, Sgt. James Gatto left behind more than a record of service he left a legacy of integrity, leadership, and family that will continue to inspire for generations to come.
