“At your service 24 hours a day, seven days a week” says the webpage of the DeWitt County Office of the Sheriff, a sentiment that easily describes longtime law enforcement agent Santos Calderon, Jr.
Serving for over 40 years in DeWitt County, Calderon made a childhood dream a reality when he joined the Yorktown Police Department in 1978 at the age of 19.
“I was in the 25th session of police training by the Victoria Police Department. It was out at the airport. I think that was one of the last training they did there,” Calderon said, adding, ”it is now done at the college.
Now a captain in the Dewitt Sheriff’s department, the Westhoff native worked for five and half years in Yorktown. “I grew up breaking horses and ranching, but I always remembered meeting this deputy who came to talk to the school in Westhoff. I knew then I wanted to be a policeman.”
During those first years, he married Yorktown girl, Mary Ann Wolf. “We were about to have our first child and my chief, Guy Nobles, encouraged me to apply for an opening in Cuero. It paid more and he knew it would be a step up for me.”
It was in Cuero that Calderon continued his law enforcement dream and served there for 24 years. He served as a patrolman, senior officer, training officer and finally sergeant for the patrol officers. “I was the firearms instructor and when tasers were added, I did that too.”
Throughout the years, Calderon has served under and with many chiefs, officers, sheriffs and other law enforcement within the county. “I was born here, and I didn’t want to go anywhere else. I have worked with some really good people.”
And though he is back serving again, he did retire. “It was in December of 2008, and I had just retired. Jode Zavesky was sheriff at the time. He and I went back, and he asked me what I was going to do. He knew I was a hard worker, and he needed a deputy, adding with a smile, “and I was back in it.”
After six months out of retirement and serv- ing as a deputy, Sheriff Zavesky appointed Calderon as sergeant for the department. “About five or six years ago, Sheriff Bowen appointed me captain over the patrol division.” He is in charge of four of the 14 patrol officers for Dewitt County. A county that covers approximately 910 square miles.
He now oversees Yorktown after the 2018 contract between the city of Yorktown and the sheriff’s office. “I have an office there and I see people over there. I still do firearms training as well.”
With 46 and half years under the belt, Calderon has seen many changes within law enforcement and laws in general. “The main change I remember is with family violence cases,” Calderon said. He recounted how before laws were changed, they could not arrest the perpetrator of a domestic violence incident. The victim was responsible for contacting the judge about the incident.
“It was so much better when we could finally arrest the abuser right then and take them to jail.” He also lamented over having to train for and teach active shooters. “I never thought that would be something.”
With his white cowboy hat, tall stature and easy manner, Claderon chokes up when it comes to having to deal with incidents involving children. “That is the hardest. Something that stays with you,” he said.
Calderon added though that he would not change what he chose to do. “Some call it a career or a profession, I like to say a calling —- from way down deep.” He expressed his heartfelt desire to be there to help those who call out for the assistance and help of law enforcement.
“Sometimes, people just come by my office to visit. My door is always
open.”
When not protecting the public, Calderon might be found fishing at Port O’Connor. “I used to ride motorcycles and horses, but age catches up,” he said with his easy grin. “I
don’t know when I will retire again.”
Calderon and his wife have two daughters, Brandi Carroll,
who is an adult probation officer in Cuero, and Jayme Fortanas, a teacher at Hunt Elementary. They also have two grandsons and two granddaughters. “I had opportunities to leave here and go elsewhere, but I am a country boy. My wife and I have family here. I like it here,” he added.
It is safe to say Santos Calderon, Jr. cares about family, his community and his fellow law enforcement officers. “I have met people from all agencies, local, state and federal. It is an honor to serve with them,” he said. He continued with praise also for his fellow employees in DeWitt County. “We have outstanding employees here.”
So, for the time being, one might find Captain. Calderon in his office in Yorktown, patrolling or even just watching over a Yorktown City Council meeting. “I want people to feel safe where they live,” he said.
