Patrolman Willard H. Santel, Reading Police Department, Ohio

Patrolman Willard H. Santel

Reading Police Department, Ohio

End of Watch Tuesday, May 29, 1945

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Willard H. Santel

Patrolman Willard Santel succumbed to injuries he received when he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into a retaining wall while testing a new motorcycle on Old Wright Highway (now Interstate I-75) in Lockland on May 8, 1945.

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 on May 29, 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

motor officer, motorcycle

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Patrolman Santel,
On today, the 80th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Reading. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired

May 29, 2025