Italian American communities and heritage groups are invited to celebrate a proud chapter of our shared history with the release of “Joseph Petrosino: The First Italian American Detective,” a short YouTube documentary premiering this week.
At the turn of the 20th century, Joseph Petrosino rose from humble immigrant roots in Padula, Italy, to become a legendary NYPD lieutenant and leader of the elite “Italian Squad.” Petrosino risked - and ultimately gave - his life protecting fellow Italian immigrants from extortion and organized crime, earning a place as one of the most courageous figures in American law-enforcement history.
This 10-minute film highlights: Heritage & Pride: How Petrosino’s Italian upbringing shaped his values of family, justice, and service. Community Protection: His groundbreaking efforts to shield Italian-American neighborhoods from the Black Hand and early Mafia. Enduring Legacy: The impact of his sacrifice on future generations of Italian Americans.
“Petrosino embodied the resilience and honor of our Italian ancestors,” say Joe Tucciarone and Bob Sorrentino, the film’s creators. “This documentary is a tribute to the courage that helped Italian Americans earn respect in a new homeland.” Watch and Share the Story The film is free to view and ideal for Italian-American clubs, heritage societies, and cultural events.
YouTube Link here. Media & Community Inquiries: Bob Sorrentino [email protected]
