Midtown Commander LT. Joel Caldwell

Lt. Joel Caldwell currently serves as the Mid-Town District Commander.

Upon joining GPD Joel served as a Night Watch and Evening Watch Patrol Officer. He was a highly active officer making numerous felony and misdemeanor arrests. In 2003 he was appointed to the K-9 unit by Chief Bob Pierce where he served as a multi-purpose K-9 Handler with his partner "Qui" until 2005 when he promoted to the rank of Sergeant. He served as a Patrol and Field Training Sergeant for approximately 18 months and then transferred to the Criminal Investigation Division where he served as a Detective Sergeant investigating robberies, homicides and other crimes against persons. Joel is a member of the GPD Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) and the Coordinator of the Galveston County Cruelty Action Team (CAT) for the Galveston County District Attorney's Office.

Joel holds both an Associate in Arts and Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Management. He is a TCLEOSE Police Instructor and Master Peace Officer. He has earned one Medal of Valor, one Academic Achievement Award, two Officer of the Year Awards (2001, 2006), one Five Year Service Award and one Five Year Safe Driving Award. During the course of his career he has earned 48 letters of commendation.

He is active in the community and serves on the Board of Directors for the Galveston Island Humane Society, The City of Galveston Animal Shelter Advisory Committee and is a committeeman with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.