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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