Cal Henderson, former Hillsborough County Sheriff, dead at 77

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday that former Hillsborough County Sheriff, Cal Henderson had died. He was 77.

Image/HCSO

Sheriff Henderson began his law enforcement career in 1965 with the Tampa Police Department, in 1967 joined the United States Border Patrol, and then served with the Central Intelligence Agency in South Vietnam. In 1969, he was hired by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office as a patrol deputy. Sheriff Henderson rose through the ranks, eventually serving as the Major in each of the operational divisions of the Sheriff’s Office. In 1985, he was promoted to Colonel of the Enforcement Operations Department. Cal Henderson served as the Sheriff of Hillsborough County from 1992-2004.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanne Henderson, who still resides in Hillsborough County, his daughter, Sheri Portalatin, two grandchildren, David and Vanessa Portalatin, and his two sisters, Jackie Truesdell and Troy Taylor.

“Sheriff Cal Henderson was a remarkable man and selfless public servant for decades,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “His legacy and contributions to our country, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the community he proudly served will never be forgotten.” 

The public is invited to leave a note in remembrance of Sheriff Henderson that will be compiled into a memory book for the Henderson family. You can send a note by emailing [email protected].


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