Full Notification

In recognition of National Police Week, the Noblesville Police Department would like to ask the community to take a few minutes to remember one of NPD’s own, Patrolman Francis Castor.

On the evening of July 28th, 1948 at approximately 830 p.m., the City of Noblesville and Noblesville Police Department tragically lost one of their own in a motorcycle accident on the north side of Forest Park.

Patrolman Francis W. Castor, 28, was on duty at the time of the accident operating a department issued motorcycle. It is believed that Patrolman Castor was possibly chasing a speeding vehicle just prior to colliding into the rear of another automobile. Patrolman Castor was thrown from the motorcycle and suffered severe injuries to his head and neck. Patrolman Castor passed away before arriving at the hospital. The speeding vehicle was never located.

Patrolman Castor was hired by the Noblesville Police Department on July 16th, 1948. He had only been with the department for twelve (12) days prior to his death. Patrolman Castor was buried in the Prairie Baptist Cemetery and he left behind a wife, Mrs. Mildred (Lavely) Castor; his mother, Mrs. Effle Castor and six sisters. The couple had no children of their own.

Prior to joining the Noblesville Police Department, Patrolman Castor served three (3) years with the 13th Air Force, serving in Africa and the India, Burma, China theater.

The City of Noblesville and the Noblesville Police Department honor the memory of Patrolman Castor each year on National Peace Officer’s Memorial Day (May 15th) and throughout National Police Week (May 10th-16th). Patrolman Castor's name is inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall located in Washington, DC on Panel 26E, Line 8.