Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Callanen and my uncle were regular speaking friends while Officer Callanen walked the beat in Downtown Little Rock. My uncle was a disabled Korean War Veteran and I always enjoyed observing my uncle exchange greetings with Officer Callanen. Officer Callanen was a master at politeness and he spoke or nodded to all he passed. His was a wonderful spirit and he was simply just a wonderful Christian. It was a tremendous heartbreak to me to learn that he had been killed so senselessly. I still miss seeing him today and think about him often.

Brian Eubanks
Regular Citizen

August 30, 2022

I was one of those kids that was treated to a trip to Florida @1976. I came from a poor family so this was the best trip of my life. "Hank" to me, was a family friend and a true humanitarian. I know he had to have spent a lot of money one all us kids. We stayed at beachfront hotels, went to amusement parks, movies, ate at nice restaurants, etc. He even bought some bathing suites if they didn't have one. Tampa Florida, Busch Gardens was the greatest. I think he wanted to bring some happiness and good memories to kids that were underprivileged. He had a generous and kind heart. Thank you Hank. RIP

Liz
Family friend

August 21, 2021

Rest in peace Patrolman Callanen.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 15, 2020

To my friend. You will never be forgotten

Steve Harrison
3rd Dan UALR Judo

May 19, 2020

You're never forgotten. Thank you for all you did. God bless you and your family.

Special Agent-in-Charge Diane Upchurch
FBI - Little Rock

May 15, 2017

Though it's had been only 20 years, since You were rubbed from us in a senseless robbery. It seems just like yestwrday. I was shocked to find out it was You!!! May You rest in peace, as You walk "The Golden Beat" in Heaven. May the Good Lord Bless You and your Family for Your service and sacrifice. RIP Patrolman Henry Lee Callanen

Dale McEuen
Civilian Supporter
Lonoke, AR
12 Year Veteran Arkansas Army National Guard
HHC 212th SIG BN (CA) (MSE) / ISU, Camp Robinson

May 15, 2016

i worked with henry for 11 yrs before he was murdered.he was the senior member of our dept at the time of his death.the walk units,horses,and other special units were renamed as "henry"units in his honor.i went on to serve 30 years and he was never forgotten.

robert lusk
little rock police dept(retired)

May 16, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 15, 2015

I remember Officer Henry moonlighting at Steinmart Department store. He was semi-retired but worked extra hours in order to provide a vacation to Florida for his family and their friends every summer.He was gunned down at McDonalds while assisting with the payroll to the bank. He was a kind and generous man and will be remembered!
Jo Ann
Little Rock, AR

Friend
Friend / acqaintance

April 2, 2015

I met Officer Henry when he was moonlighting at Steinmart Department store in Little Rock, AR for security / shoplifting detail work. He told me that he wanted to do this inorder to take his family/ grandkids and their friends to Disneyland in the summer. He was always cordial and conversational. I still think of him and the sacrifice he made for his family and Little Rock. We still miss him.
God bless you, Henry! Your work was appreciated!
A friend,
Jo A.
Little Rock

Friend
Friend / acqaintance

April 2, 2015

Henry, I met you when I was a kid. You were moon lighting at Worthen Bank, on East Roosevelt. We became friends and when I got out of school, I went to work at the LRPD. Like Officer Carty said, you always treated us Cadets good. You made us feel like we were a part of the Police Department. My Mom and Dad still talk about the time you got them tickets to see President Reagan. They tried for weeks to get them but finally gave up. I mentioned it to you one morning, the next day you handed me two tickets. I also miss talking with you about all the new movies that come out. You, like me, were a movie nut and always told me which ones to go see. You had a reputation of writing lots of tickets in the early 60's, on University Avenue by Shoney's Big Boy. Henry, all those kids you wrote tickets to, are now old. Many, Many of them turned out for your funeral. What a send off we gave you my friend. You take care and God Bless you. your friend Marty

Sgt. Marty Garrison
Little Rock Police Department friend

October 24, 2011

On the 18th anniversary of your murder - your 36 years of service and ultimate sacrifice are not forgotten. Rest in peace brother.

Anonymous
Ohio Officer

May 16, 2011

I just recently found this site, after so many years. As a former LRPD officer in the 80s I am shocked to see so few entries from dept members. I did not know Henry well. I would talk to him when I drew the great Sam 57 beat. The last time I had spoken to Henry he was at the MC Ds down town. He was very proud of his ability to take kids to Florida. In my eyes he was a very good role model. Henry expressed concerns of how the younger teens were getting so disrespectful and cuold not see how street officers were dealing with it so well. It is a shame that some younger inconsiderate members of that generation decided to end a good man's life. I let politics drive me away at a young age, but I often reflect on some of the good people, many being friends to this day at LRPD. Too many officers have died that I briefly served with. god bless them and their familys. Be safe those of you who remain there as gaurds to the city.

Officer Kris R. Bell
Danville Police Dept. Indiana

February 22, 2010

Rest in Peace, Patrolman Callanen. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

June 8, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 16th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

May 15, 2009

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

August 8, 2007

I will always remember you Henry!! You were truely one of the best and kindest (not to mention just plain silly). I love ya'

Friend

May 17, 2007

My thoughts and prayers to your family and co-workers on the anniversary of your passing. Thank you for your service. Rest in peace.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

May 15, 2007

GOSH... WHAT A WONDERFUL MAN. HENRY, YOU WILL LIVE IN MY HEART FOREVER. IT WAS AN HONOR KNOWING AND WORKING WITH YOU!

BECKY

FORMER OFFICER
LITTLE ROCK POLICE DEPARTMENT

April 2, 2007

Rest in peace brother, May God bless you and your family.

Patrolman

February 24, 2006

Thank you, sir. Your service is like none other. RIP Officer Callanen.

MP

May 27, 2005

I remember Henry from my teenage years when we all called him banana nose. He got as big a kick out of that as we did. Later I worked with him as a Cadet then Police Officer and admired his dedication to his Department work and his career. He always had time to answer questions and treated Cadets and rookies like people and not servants. Henry you are missed a great deal.

Sgt. Charles Carty
Benton Police Department

May 19, 2005

You came from an old breed of officer that is not seen much today. My Lt. at work was tellimg me that he knew you, and said that you were a very kind & respectable man. He said that you were just about to retire, yourself before this incident. He is retiring shortly. Unfortunantly, you never had that opportunity, as gangbangers had to cowardly gun you down in that parking lot that night for a money bag. You are a role model to all officers, as you dedicated your whole life to this profession proudly & fearless. Officer Callanen, I only hope that I can have a career filled with honor & service such as you. You will always be on the back of my mind.

Rest in peace.

Deputy J. Bozeman
Pulaski County Sheriff's Office, AR

September 6, 2004

Alot of dedication, Enjoy eternal peace. And thank you for your service for all those years

Spc Shiloh Reynolds
US ARMY Military Police

August 23, 2004

Rest easy Patrolman Callanen, you are not forgotten

Andy

November 13, 2003