Detective Joseph Cavitolo is photographed at his promotion ceremony in 2006. (Advance file photo)
The NYPD has announced the death of Detective First Grade Joseph A. Cavitolo, a Staten Island resident.
Detective Cavitolo was appointed to the New York City Police Department in October 1990, and began his career on patrol in Park Slope’s 78 Precinct. He was promoted to Detective Specialist in August 2001; Detective Second Grade in June 2006; and Detective First Grade in March 2010.For more than 16 years, Detective Cavitolo served with distinction in the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Public Information (DCPI), and was an integral part of the unit.
In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, Detective Cavitolo helped field thousands of inquiries from media outlets worldwide. During his time in DCPI, the office was twice awarded a Unit Citation for outstanding performance.
Most recently, in 2011, DCPI received a Unit Citation for the coordination of media coverage of the tenth anniversary of 9/11, and the President’s historical visit to the First Precinct and Ground Zero.
Detective Cavitolo played an essential role in the organization of media coverage at major events throughout the five boroughs, such as the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop in Times Square and on Staten Island during Hurricane Sandy. He will be greatly missed at this year’s NYC Marathon, where he was a mainstay at the start of the race for more than a decade.
“We will always remember Joe not only for his contributions through his work, but also his constant kindness and friendship,” the NYPD said in a statement.
Funeral information will be published when it becomes available.
