"I'm Going to Kill That Cop": A Police Officer's Final Traffic Stop (Part 1)
Heroes Behind the Badge: The Harold Vitale Story
Every traffic stop could be an officer's last. Officer Harold Vitale of the Saugus Police Department made the ultimate sacrifice on June 18, 1985, when what should have been a routine stop turned deadly in seconds.
A decorated 14-year veteran and Army veteran, Officer Vitale was known for "Vitale pride" – his commitment to standing up for others and doing what's right. When he stopped a vehicle for running stop signs, he had no idea the 19-year-old driver had already told passengers he would "kill any cop" who tried to arrest him on an outstanding warrant.
In mere moments, Officer Vitale's arm was trapped in the window as the suspect deliberately dragged him into a street sign. Despite clear evidence of premeditation, Harold's killer served less than 10 years. His family's fight for justice reveals how the legal system often fails those who protect us.
KEY MOMENTS:
1:22 - Les Vitale explains what "Vitale Pride" meant to his brother Harold
8:45 - The detailed account of the tragic traffic stop
18:30 - The shocking courtroom behavior of the killer's father
27:05 - How the family coped with an unjust legal outcome
"He was a firm believer that if you had that name and you lived in this family, your sole responsibility was to protect it." - Les Vitale Support the men and women who risk everything for our safety.
This episode of the Heroes Behind the Badge Podcast and others can be found at https://heroesbehindthebadgepodcast.org/ or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
