Police Officer Richard H. Calhoun

Feb. 5, 2019

Dear Terri:

You don’t know me nor I you; however, I knew of your dad and attended his funeral service in 1975. I was on duty, working as a patrol officer for Pasadena P. D. , as the incident involving the escaped convicts was broadcast by police radio, to inform our street units as to what was unfolding that October 10th in East Houston. As it turned out, two of my agency colleagues, working in plainclothes, had occasion to be on business together in the ship channel area and made it to the scene of the standoff. I later spoke with one of those two officers, who shared with me what had taken place; and, I thought I would share with you in a moment, what he had to say.

I think of your dad from time to time and had occasion to review his memorial page last night. I was moved by your comments conveying your love and respect for your dad; and, I am similarly moved, whenever I think of the statement your dad made at the scene of the incident, just before he passed. My colleague had occasion to be at the base of the stairway in the course of the standoff, as your dad ascended the stairs to confront the escapees. Upon being struck by gunfire, your dad fell down the stairs and came to rest at the feet of my colleague and others. I thought you should know, that your dad‘s last thoughts were of you and your siblings. As conveyed to me by my colleague, realizing the end was near, your dad’s last words were “Oh my God, my kids!” Despite having not been an eyewitness, those words have stuck with me for these last 43 years; and, I share them with you, not to create sadness or upset, but perhaps to offer you the comfort of knowing how important you and your siblings were to your dad.

At the time of this incident, I was 23, your dad was 34. At the age of 66, as I look back on his photo now, he is forever young, which tends to underscore the tragedy of it all; and is a relative
reminder that time is fleeting and waits for no one. Nevertheless, it is clear, that despite the obstacles in life, your dad’s legacy endures and your love for him is everlasting.

Best regards and Godspeed Terri; to you, to your growing family . . . forever his.

Sincerely,

Bud Corbett, Chief of Operations
Pasadena P.D (Retired)

February 16, 2019