After a long-standing career in law enforcement, Lieutenant Denise Callahan is set to leave her badge behind as she steps into retirement. Effective January 31, her departure rounds off a 25-year stint with the White Settlement Police Department. The department shared details of Callahan's career progression and accomplishments in a social media post, highlighting milestones such as her promotion to the rank of the first female sergeant in January 2017 and eventually the first female lieutenant in July 2020.
Starting in 1999 as a Reserve Police Officer, Callahan climbed the ranks to full-time status in 2001, then to Corporal five years later, with her leadership culminating in an assignment to head up the newly created Support Division in 2022. Her academic achievements were not glossed over either. Holding a Master's Degree from Tarleton State University and a Master's Peace Officer Certificate from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, Callahan was known for advocating on behalf of crime victims and was pivotal in ushering state law amendments to bolster protections against child sexual abuse.
Demonstrating further distinction, Lt. Callahan was honored with the Supervisor of the Year - Executive Professional Award by Chief Cook in 2022. Her commitment extended to community outreach programs like Mothers Against Drunk Driving and youth mentorship through her advisory role in Brewer High School Career and Technology Criminal Justice Program and the Academy 4 Investigator's Club.
The retirement celebration brought together faces from various facets of community leadership. Mayor Faron Young, City Manager Jeff James, and members of the City Council were among those who gathered with department heads and other dignitaries to acknowledge Lt. Callahan's contributions.
