Officer Freddie Castro’s mom, Michaela Robles, wants her son to be remembered for his smile and all he accomplished in life.
Just 23 when he died, Castro had already reached all of his goals, which is something Robles said made her “very proud.”
Still, she can’t help but think about who he might have become and what else he might have done if he’d been given more time.
“I just always wonder what he would be like if he was with us today,” Robles said.
Castro, who died five years ago after a weeks-long struggle with COVID-19, was celebrated earlier this week with a memorial service at the W. Jack Sanders Justice Center.
In addition to prepared remarks from police department officials and Officer Castro’s loved ones, an honor guard stood watch and a dispatcher read out the final call for Officer Castro over the radio.
Castro’s family remembers his commitment to service
Castro, who died on Aug. 31, 2021, served two years with the Overland Park Police Department as an officer.
“Freddie was not only a devoted police officer; he was a brother, a friend and a son, and his legacy reaches far beyond his badge,” said Police Chief Doreen Jokerst. “He led with his kind smile, stood firm in the face of danger, and never wavered in his dedication to protecting our Overland Park community.”
Eager to work in law enforcement, Castro became an officer as soon as he was able to at age 21. Before that, he worked on the civilian motorist assist unit starting at age 19.
“He was determined to do what he had always set his goal out to be, and he accomplished it,” Robles said. “It was a short time, but he accomplished what he said he was going to do.”
Still, she remembers how scared she was when Castro told her that he wanted to become a police officer.
“As a parent, I did not want to show him that I was afraid because I knew that was where his heart was,” she said. “I just gave him my blessing, and every day when he walked out that door was ‘I love you’ because I never knew if he would walk back in.”
During the ceremony, Robles shared a letter she wrote recently to Castro, reflecting on the time that has passed since his death.
“I imagine the life you would have built, the memories you would have made, and all the moments I wish I could have witnessed,” she said. “Five years may have passed, but the love a mother has for her son never fades.”
Five years later, fellow officer remembers his service
Officer Andrew Lillich joined the department about the same time Castro did back in 2019, so the two went to the police academy together and forged a friendship. After field training, they also ended up on the same midnight shift.
“He always showed up with a smile on his face, ready to work,” Lillich remembers, “just ready to help the public. His focus was always safety.”
During their time together at the department, Lillich remembers a time when Officer Castro encountered an individual going through a rough time during a traffic stop, and how he went above and beyond to help them.
“It was just symbolic of who he was as a person; there was always more to it than just doing the job,” he said.
Lillich hopes people remember “the positivity” Castro always brought with him to work and the passion he had for helping people every day.
Looking back: Freddie Castro, Overland Park police office who died of COVID-19, given final honors
