January 2020 Spotlight – Constable Lee R. Callan, Menard County

Tell us a bit about yourself:
My name is Lee R. Callan. I am a native of Menard County, Texas. I grew up on my family’s ranch which is located on a railroad depot at Callan, Texas. I am 5th generation rancher and own a material construction business. After high school, I graduated from Angelo State University where I assisted the collegiate track team. I enjoyed serving on the board of directors for West Texas Boys Ranch. I am a Master Peace Officer and certified TCLOE Instructor. Currently, I am attending the Texas Association of Counties Leadership 254 Class. I am Texan to the core but I cheer for LSU and went to the National Championship game. GO TIGERS!

What made you decide to become a constable?
My interest and service in law enforcement comes from a family tradition. My great, great grandfather was a Texas Ranger and founding judge of Menard County. My grandfather was a practicing attorney. About 20 years ago, I was encouraged by a Justice of the Peace to run for Constable. I went to the law enforcement academy “later in life” in order to become a certified peace officer. I want to give back to my community which has given so much to me.

What is something innovative, interesting, or fun your office does?
I am a pilot and I use my R44 helicopter to assist law enforcement in this and surrounding counties when I can for search and rescue missions. I was able to locate a four year old girl that had been missing for about five hours in a rural area. She was about a mile and a half from her house in the middle of pasture and it was near dark. I used to scuba dive and was part of group of volunteers that was asked to locate a deceased person in a large lake.

What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is the people I serve, not only in Menard County but the great State of Texas. Menard is a small town and I enjoy knowing just about everyone. On Halloween, I drive around to hand out candy to the children on the same streets I trick or treated on 60 years ago. I serve as a bailiff in all the courts in Menard County including our five county District Court. I frequently serve as security at events like football, basketball and other meetings as the community requests. I have a positive relationship with our Sheriff’s Office and assist when needed. In my small town, escorting a funeral or parade is an honor and I am blessed to be involved.