Detective Noel Don McGuire, Little Rock Police Department, Arkansas

Detective Noel Don McGuire

Little Rock Police Department, Arkansas

End of Watch Wednesday, May 14, 1980

Noel Don McGuire

Detective Noel McGuire was shot and killed while working a vice detail.

He had stopped a suspicious vehicle and questioned the suspects. As he returned to his cruiser one of the suspects shot him in the back. He was able to call for help on his radio. Unbeknownst to him, the suspects had just committed an armed robbery in a neighboring county. Both suspects were arrested a few hours later in Oklahoma by state police officers.

The 15-year-old shooter and his 16-year-old accomplice were convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.

Detective McGuire had served with the Little Rock Police Department for five years. He survived by his parents.

Bio

Age 23
Tour 5 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; .357 caliber
Offender Sentenced to life

juvenile offender

Most Recent Reflection

View all 20 Reflections

It's been a lifetime since that terrible day, May 14th, 1980. I was a Cadet, you were my first love. I left the LRPD not long after; joined the Navy. I was running away from the pain of losing you and the fear of encountering the ultimate sacrifice a police officer faces each and every day. If only we had had just one more ride on your motorcycle. Making big plans for a weekend at Petit Jean, we didn't know how little time was left for us. It pains me that you died alone at the hands of two young thugs (Little & Butler). Their families can visit them; we dont have that option. I finally married 10 years later. But not even he could hold a candle to you. Yes, you were that special --a good man! I often think of Ralph, and Ronnie, Doc, Faith, Dean, Joe, Paul, everyone, and how all our lives changed that night. Its a pain that never goes away. To have known you, even for a brief moment on this earth, was well worth it Don. I know you're in good company where you are; lots of family and friends now, but I miss you here, in this relm. It's been a long, long time. Please remember to save a seat for me.

Debbie Hall (Futrell)
LRPD Cadet and Friend.

August 9, 2018