Roll of Honor
Incident
Detective Bernardino Grottano succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained as he attempted to capture an armed robbery suspect. At approximately 10:30 pm on May 19th, 1924, a patrolman on his beat observed that there was no store clerk behind the counter of the United Cigar Store on Fulton Street, Brooklyn. When the patrolman stopped to investigate, a man standing in front of the store drew a handgun and pointed it at the patrolman. The patrolman lunged at the suspect, who then fled on foot. During the chase, the suspect ran by Detective Grottano, who was standing at the corner of Fulton Street and Hanover Place. Detective Grottano attempted to apprehend the suspect but was unable to grab him. Detective Grottano joined the patrolman in the foot chase. During the chase, the suspect opened fire and Detective Grottano, and the patrolman returned fire. During the exchange, Detective Grottano was struck in the chest and fell to the ground, mortally wounded. As the chase continued, the suspect was also shot and killed. Detective Grottano was taken to Brooklyn Hospital where he died from his wounds seven days later. A second suspect, who was inside the cigar store, was apprehended several months later and charged with murder. Detective Grottano had served with the New York City Police Department for 17 years and was assigned to the 78th Precinct Detective Squad.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-NY-F3D626F9- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Detective Sergeant Grottano gave the New York City Police Department 17 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Sergeant Grottano.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Detective Sergeant Bernardino Grottano is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In NY, 728 of 2,147 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 33.9% of this state's fallen. That is 33.9 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At New York City Police Department, 365 of 1237 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 29.5% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Bernardino Grottano's cause is highlighted.
How Bernardino Grottano Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Bernardino Grottano is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Bernardino Grottano was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1,236 officers from New York City Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
