Laurence Caldwell
Laurie was a preemie by 3 months, and came to us from the hospital as a frail but determined
3-month-old. Our lives were forever changed. As Jim said, "A baby is more fun than a new puppy,
and gives a whole new dimension to the word exhaustion."
His early start in life caused him a somewhat slow start in school -- we had to hold him back a year
at kindergarten -- but he developed well thereafter. In second grade, Laurie joined the Cub Scouts,
making friendships that have lasted since. He earned all the ranks, then crossed over to Boy Scout
Troop 3. There, he served in many leadership positions and earned many merit badges, and in 2001
earned the rank of Eagle Scout.
Laurie joined the band at Murchison Middle School, playing trumpet, and entered the marching band
throughout his years at Anderson High. He dreamed of a career in law enforcement, and became active
in the Travis County Sheriff's Office Explorer Post. He, along with many from his Post, attended the
National Law Enforcement Explorer Conference in Flagstaff, Arizona, in 2002; his team finished in the
top 10% nationally in the "family disturbance" scenario.
Laurence entered The University of Texas at San Antonio, majoring in criminal justice, but found he
wasn't ready for college and left after one year. He worked at various jobs, including making copies
at Kinko's and as a security guard. Then he enrolled at Austin Community College, and earned his
Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice. Two weeks before completing his ACC coursework, he started
the CAPCOG Basic Peace Officer Certification Course; five months later, he completed the class and
passed the state licensing exam. Laurence is now a licensed police officer, working as a Senior Deputy
Constable in Austin's Precinct 5.
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