John Thomas Caslin
Incident
Constable Thomas Caslin was shot and killed in Youngstown as he and a justice of the peace attempted to serve a warrant on a man for beating his wife.
The woman had fled her home and swore out a warrant against her husband. When Constable Caslin and the justice arrived at the home they were refused entry. As Constable Caslin argued with the suspect at the front door the justice went around back to attempt to gain entry.
When Constable Caslin turned to leave the man opened fire with a rifle, striking him in in the side and back. The justice ran back to the front of the house where he was also fatally shot.
The suspect barricaded himself in his home before being shot and killed by members of the Pennsylvania State Police.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
NW-0FG8-57GT-Mearlier record number BO-US-PA-487FA699- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Constable Caslin served with the Pennsylvania State Constable.
Thank you for your service to the Greensburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable Caslin.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Pennsylvania State Constable - Westmoreland County has lost 4 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 598 officers killed feloniously in PA, 47.4% of the 1,262 remembered there.
John is one of 15,741 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.2% of the 27,543 remembered there.
John is one of 17,629 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,910 remembered here.
33,910 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1948, 4 officers in PA were killed feloniously, the 44th heaviest of 152 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 16.
In 1948, 80 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 84th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1948, 81 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 87th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 58. Of the 585 killed feloniously in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37.
John was 58. Of the 14,215 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
John was 58. Of the 15,849 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
August holds 8.5% of these deaths in PA; September holds the most, 10.5%. Saturdays: 15.2%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 4 deaths at Pennsylvania State Constable - Westmoreland County. The weapon recorded was rifle; .303 caliber, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 47.4% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle; .303 caliber, in 0.2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.2% of all 27,543 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle; .303 caliber, in 0% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,910 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle; .303 caliber, in 0% of these deaths.
His people
Pennsylvania State Constable - Westmoreland County has 4 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 20-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Pennsylvania State Constable - Westmoreland County are honored on badge.nw.
