Patrolman Willard H. Santel, Reading Police Department, Ohio

Patrolman Willard H. Santel

Reading Police Department, Ohio

End of Watch Tuesday, May 29, 1945

Willard H. Santel

Patrolman Willard Santel was killed when he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into a retaining wall while in pursuit of a vehicle on Old Wright Highway (now Interstate I-75) in Lockland, Ohio.

Suffering from a compound fracture of the tibia and fibula, he was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital. While hospitalized, he developed bilateral pneumonia and died May 29th, 1945.

Patrolman Santel had served with the Reading Police Department for 1-1/2 years. He was survived by his expectant wife who later gave birth to their daughter.

Bio

Age 23
Tour 1 year, 6 months
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Vehicle pursuit
Incident Date Tuesday, May 8, 1945
Weapon Not available
Offender Not available

Most Recent Reflection

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NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Willard H. Santel of the Reading Police Department, Ohio and the additional 59 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

May 30, 2018