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Incident
Deputy Bert Casteel was shot and killed as he and his brother attempted to serve an arrest warrant. Deputy Casteel went to the home's front door while his brother went to the back door to prevent the suspects from escaping.
As the deputies entered the home the mother of some of the men struck Deputy Casteel's brother with a stove stick. As Deputy Casteel entered the front one of the men opened fire on him, striking him the torso. He returned fire, killing the subject.
Seeing that he was wounded, Deputy Casteel's brother told him to go seek help while he held the mother and one other suspect at gunpoint. Deputy Casteel made it about 200 yards before he collapsed and died.
One additional occupant of the house was able to escape, but was arrested several days later.
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Casteel served with the Laurel County Sheriff's Department.
Thank you for your service to the London community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Casteel.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Laurel County Sheriff's Department has lost 4 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Bert is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
Bert is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Bert is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1903, 6 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 39th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1903, 103 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 50th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1903, 106 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 57th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
March holds 7.1% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Saturdays: 19%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 4 deaths at Laurel County Sheriff's Department. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 76.8% of all 984 deaths in KY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 26.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Laurel County Sheriff's Department has 4 officers remembered here, Bert among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 26-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Laurel County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
