For almost three decades, the name Richie Litto was synonymous with a reliable helping hand, a reassuring response and an encyclopedic knowledge of D4 including every nook and cranny of the Back Bay, the Fenway and the South End.

Litto who retired in 2022 passed away this week, but his service will long be remembered.

Former Police Commissioner Bill Evans noted that Litto “did a phenomenal job dealing with some of the district’s most difficult challenges with the homeless and those addicted to drugs. He was very responsive to those residents who called and worked well with the youth of the community.”

Steve Fox, head of the South End Forum remembered one occasion when Litto, dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, was helping, on his own time, a South End business owner to remove an awning that had created a perch for possible criminal activity. When Litto saw someone a few doors down run up the stairs to grab a package that UPS had just delivered, he dropped everything and was able to detain the alleged thief who was pretty surprised and return the package to its rightful owner.

Claire Durant of the Red Sox recalls how Litto taught a self-defense course to female employees. “He gave all of us a feeling of empowerment and confidence”.

Colm Lydon, the Red Sox director of security commented, “I worked with Richie for many years. The Boston Police Department has always been the highest standard for Community Policing across the world and he was the role model for what community policing is all about. He was kind, understanding, empathetic and always did his best to raise the quality of life for every member of the community. He resonated with all people. He was definitely a guy that believed in the Lift them up, versus Lock them up vision.”

Don Carlson who was chair of the Back Bay Crime Committee for over 10 years noted Litto’s great sense of community service. “He was very, very helpful and cheerfully so”.