by Heather Graf
GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. - A retired Metro Nashville Police officer died Thursday after falling from a ladder at his home in Goodlettsville.
It happened at the officer's home in the 1500 block of Springfield Highway around 12:20 Thursday afternoon. 50-year old Sergeant Randy Casteel was found dead by several Nashville Electric Service workers.
"There is an American flag in the front of Sergeant Casteel's house, he was a very patriotic individual. He'd elected to put an American flag on the utility pole closest to the road to show his patriotism. That flag had faded over the past few months, and he was in the process of replacing that flag when the ladder gave way," said Metro Police Spokesperson Don Aaron.
Officials said Casteel had been on a twelve foot ladder when the accident happened.
Several NES workers discovered Casteel and attempted to offer aid, but police said it was too late.
"His head struck the pavement very hard. When persons found him they tried to render first aid, but he was already deceased," said Aaron.
The 26-year police veteran retired from the force in 2011.
Neighbors said he was a loyal friend who would do anything to help someone in need.
"He would do things like that, put a battery in my car, anything you needed, Randy would be there," said Sandra Lanius. "We loved him so much, and I felt like he was my son sometimes, he was that good to us."
Neighbors tell us Sergeant Casteel celebrated his 50th birthday just last week, and he retired from Metro Police in May of last year.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been set.
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Sergeant Randy Casteel
