Chief Harry Caldwell

Chief Caldwell, known to most who had the pleasure to meet him as Harry, is survived by his wife, the love of his life, Joan; his step-children Garland Pinson, Catherine Pinson, and Elizabeth Pinson Vardaman and her husband, Stuart. “Pawpaw” is also survived by his grandchildren, Sloane Romano, Leah Caldwell, Kendall Pinson, and Wrenne, Knox, and Macaslin Vardaman, and his great-granddaughter, Kayla Romano. Harry is predeceased by his beloved son, Harold Dwane Caldwell, Jr. (2009) and his brothers, James and Dale.

Known as a strict disciplinarian, Harry always held himself and his officers to a strict code of accountability for the use of the authority granted them by the citizens of Houston. Harry was known for his innovative approach to police work, including the “Houstonians On Watch” program; this field training officer program, which he adopted from California law enforcement prototypes, emphasized his focus on professional responsibility balanced with empathy. While pursuing his law enforcement career, he taught police administration and behavioral sciences to thousands of Texas law enforcement officers over the years at the University of Houston, South Texas College, and Sam Houston State University in Huntsville - some of the same institutions where Harry had earned his BS and MA degrees. Harry had completed all his academic work for his doctorate degree when he was appointed by Mayor Jim McConn to the office of Chief of Police. Chief Caldwell held one of the first instructor certifications by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Education.

Chief Caldwell was a published author. His book, Basic Law Enforcement, is used in many Criminal Justice programs. He designed the Houston Police Academy and lobbied for its construction until it became a reality.

Harry was born in Robertson County, near Franklin, Texas. He and three other members of his Franklin High School graduation class joined the United States Marine Corps in August of 1948. Rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant, he was at one time one of the youngest Staff Sergeants in the Corps. He was a part of the close air support group that supported the 1st Marine Division at the battle of Inchon, Korea. Harry became a member of ComPhibGru 1 under Admiral James H. Doyle; this group evacuated the Marines from Hungnam Harbor in North Korea. For a short period, he was assigned, along with 5 other Marines as security detail for General Douglas MacArthur. Sgt. Caldwell had the distinction of being personally chewed out by General MacArthur for entering his cabin aboard the USS Mt. McKinley without the general’s permission. The General’s “attention” did not impact Harry’s award of a Letter of Commendation medal with Combat V nor his award of the Korean War Campaign ribbon with three battle stars for his work in helping direct close air support during various battles with the Chinese Communist Peoples Army. After the Korean War campaign, Staff Sergeant Caldwell was detailed to MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina. As a drill Instructor, training Marine recruits, Harry provided some “attention” of his own to a multitude of some of our nation’s finest soldiers and patriots. After completing his four year enlistment in August, 1952, he was honorably discharged; Harry made application to, and was accepted for, police training in Cadet Class #10, the following year. He served the citizens of Houston as a police officer for 27 years in every rank from patrolman on the City’s waterfront to Chief of Police.

After his retirement, Chief Caldwell became a security consultant, working with both defense and plaintiffs attorneys as an expert witness involving premise liability litigation. Life began again for him during these years when he married his beloved Joan in 1988 and raised a young family, Garland, Catherine and Elizabeth.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation for Letrese Yarbrough with Caring Hands and Houston Hospice for their compassion and support in Harry’s final days.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o'clock in the afternoon until seven o'clock in the evening, on Tuesday, the 9th of November 2021, in the Jasek Chapel and parlor of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

A funeral service is to be conducted at ten o'clock in the morning on Wednesday, the 10th of November, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, where Houston Police Chaplain Monty Montgomery is to officiate, and military honors will be rendered by the United States Marine Corps Honor Guard. KINDLY NOTE: Those who are unable to attend may access the services virtually via a link which will be provided in the service information below.

Interment will follow, via escorted cortege, at San Leon Cemetery in San Leon, Texas.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in Chief Caldwell's name be directed to the Houston Police Retired Officers Association, P.O. BOX 130787, Houston, TX, 77219; or to Assist The Officer Foundation, Attn: Executive Director, 1600 State Street, Houston, TX, 77007. Direct access to these organization's donation pagesare available by selecting their respective icons below.

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