Larchmont Mayor on Patrolman's Death, Killer's Parole Hearing

Almost 34 years ago, Patrolman Arthur Dematte was fatally shot while serving the Village of Larchmont. The date was October 12, 1976. 

Dematte, who had served the village for 19 years, was fatally shot in the line of duty by a man who gained control of his service revolver, according to news reports. 

This week, Dematte's convicted killer, Anthony Curtis Blanks, will be having a parole hearing. As a response, Larchmont Mayor Josh Mandell has issued the following statement: 

Larchmont lost a very good man on October 12, 1976.  On that tragic day, Patrolman Arthur Dematte was fatally shot in the line of duty by a man who had gained control of his service revolver.  This is important to understand because it highlights the senselessness of the crime – at the time of the killing, Patrolman Dematte was unarmed and, therefore, presented no threat to the shooter.  The fact that he was pursued and shot multiple times only serves to underline the depravity and indifference of the act.

Arthur was a well-known and loved member of this village, having earned a reputation as a hero at work and with his family long before that fateful day.  His family's loss was, and continues to be, shared by the entire Village of Larchmont.  It reminds us that, while we may live in one of the safest communities in the country, we are safe from harm only because brave and fearless individuals stand in harm's way every day of the year.  Patrolman Dematte was pronounced dead at 7:10pm, barely one hour after responding to the call that would be his last.  His fellow officers were undoubtedly devastated, yet appeared for duty later that day and continued to fight to protect the residents that Arthur had dedicated his life to protecting.  This is how they honor his service each and every day.

This week, Patrolman Dematte's killer will once again attempt to gain parole.  Thirty-three years is a long time and the heinous act perpetrated by Anthony Curtis Blanks may seem a distant memory to some.  Let me assure you, however, that the senseless killing of Patrolman Arthur Dematte is never far from memory in the Village of Larchmont.

Check back later for updates on this news story.