Brown County commissioners unanimously appointed a new sheriff on Monday.  After meeting in executive session for more than one hour, commissioners unanimously appointed George Caldwell, Jr. to fill the unexpired term of Brown County Sheriff.

Caldwell, one of multiple law enforcement officers considered by the court, stated he was surprised and honored to be appointed.

“I’m surprised to be appointed.  This is a great honor.  Sheriff Grubbs was a legendary lawman and I’m honored to step in and fill out his term,” said Caldwell.

Caldwell has nearly 30 years of law enforcement experience, including 22 years in Brazoria County in many positions including jailer, patrol supervisor, lieutenant over training academy, crime prevention, and as an instructor for jailers.

Caldwell has been married for 44 years to his wife Jessica and has a daughter, son-in-law and grandson who all live in Early.  He retired from Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office in 2009 and came to Brown County intending to retire and “kick back.”  However things changed when Patty Mauldin told him about this part time position as security at the courthouse and as a bailiff.

Brown County Judge Ray West stated that Caldwell brings more to Brown County than just law enforcement experience with 4500 hours of education in the law enforcement field and was an instructor for jailers.

“He brings to the table more than simply law enforcement.  He will listen to Becky Caffey, our jail administrator, and he will understand the workings of the jail, as well as the law enforcement end of it.  Not only is George qualified in the law enforcement field but also in the jail administration field and that is a large part of the office of sheriff,” said West.  “I think his experience is unequalled among the people that we talked to and that had a great bearing on our decision.”

West also said that Caldwell has great people skills and respect within the county.

“He has the respect of the department and he has our respect.  He has vowed to have an open door policy when it comes to the commissioners and in answering to the public,” explained West.   “I think that is key to any effective sheriff’s office, that there be good lines of communication, not only between the sheriff and his staff but also between the sheriff and Brown County.

Caldwell again expressed his honor to be appointed

“It is an honor that I was chosen.  My resume, I stand on it, but the fact that Brown County took, I guess an outsider, if you want to call it that, and put me in this temporary position, it’s a pinnacle and I thank you for that,” Caldwell stated.  “I will do a good job and I will continue in Sheriff Grubbs’ legacy– to make Brown County a safe place to live.”

Caldwell will finish out the term of Sheriff Bobby Grubbs who passed away September 3rd after suffering a severe stroke.