Police Officer Robert J. Bilodeau, New York City Police Department, New York

Police Officer Robert J. Bilodeau

New York City Police Department, New York

End of Watch Tuesday, February 12, 1980

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Robert J. Bilodeau

Police Officer Robert Bilodeau was shot and killed while investigating suspicious behavior.

Officer Bilodeau and his partner were on patrol when they observed a group of men acting suspiciously. The officers observed one of the men adjusting what they thought was a gun in his waistband. When they exited their unmarked car to investigate, the suspect fled on foot down an alleyway. Officer Bilodeau pursued the suspect and was shot and killed in an exchange of gunfire.

The suspect, 21, who was wounded in the exchange, was arrested by an officer of the Mount Vernon, New York, Police Department when he arrived at a hospital for treatment. He was charged with murder and convicted after a trial. On January 30, 1981, the suspect was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. He was paroled on January 21, 2021. In April of 1979, Officer Bilodeau was working as a decoy cop, dressed as a derelict in Times Square when a man attacked him with a knife, slashing his throat. The suspect was apprehended and sent to prison.

Officer Bilodeau was a United States Army veteran who had served with New York City Police Department for seven years and was assigned to the Street Crimes Unit. He is survived by his wife and three children.

Bio

Age 33
Tour 9 years
Badge 31182
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Paroled in 2021

suspicious activity

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Most Recent Reflection

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No cops murder is any less significant then any others. However, Robert Bilodeau death effected me the greatest.

As a teenager growing up in Queens, Robert’s home borough. I was inspired to become a NYPD Police Officer and wear his police shield in tribute. I was initially a member of NY Transit PD before the agency’s merged.

I would go makes hundreds of felony arrests and effect dozens of rescues of both citizens and fellow officers. During the era of crime management, crimefighting cops punished for increasing the felony stats in the ‘80’s and ‘90’s.

In the face of danger, your response determines your fate.

Robert’s was as many other dedicated cops was to go balls to the wall and capture the maximum amount of felons, while saving the maximum amount of lives. We need strong leadership that continues to foster Robert’s efforts. Both my sons are in law enforcement and embrace his essence.

My sincerest condolences to his family, fellow officers and friends, hoping someday his story will be told for the whole world to see.

Police Officer Marc Manfro
N.Y.P.D.

February 23, 2022