Family members of a slain Larchmont police officer gathered to protest the parole of the man convicted of killing him.

The wife of officer Arthur DeMatte, Alice, was in Westchester County Court Wednesday morning.

Assembly Member Mike Lawler, Rep. Lee Zeldin and local law enforcement were also present.

Blanks was convicted of first-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon in the death of DeMatte in 1976.

Blanks has been granted parole and will be released from prison in a matter of days after four decades. 

"As a society, let's be very clear. If we cannot defend and support the men and women who stand up for our communities and keep our communities safe, if we cannot have zero tolerance for those who kill a law enforcement officer, shame on us," says Lawler. 

DeMatte was killed 46 years ago on Oct. 12, 1976 while in the line of duty.

"Officer DeMatte was responding to a call for somebody who was stuck on the tracks, he saved a life, moments before he gave up his own," said Zeldin.

During the incident, the transient, who was later identified as Blanks, gained control of DeMatte's gun and killed him.

Blanks was sentenced to 25 years to life in DeMatte's murder.  He was granted parole last month and is set to be released on Oct. 18 or sooner. 

Officer DeMatte served with the Larchmont Police Department for 20 years.

A vigil of remembrance and celebration of DeMatte's life was held Wednesday at the Patrolman Arthur DeMatte Memorial Park in Larchmont.