City News Hillsdale’s first policewoman dies

By Lauren Scott Assistant Editor

The first policewoman of the Hillsdale City Police Department died in a nursing home on Feb. 24 at 86 years old.

Linda Caldwell of Jerome, Michigan, became Hillsdale’s first policewoman in 1964. She served as a meter maid, but unlike many women in law enforcement during the 1960s, she acted with the full authority of a police officer, said Hillsdale Police Chief Scott Hephner. When St. Anthony’s Elementary School requested assistance for school children crossing the street, according to a 1971 Hillsdale Daily News article, Caldwell was there to help.

“I remember Linda when I was a young boy, and she served as a parking meter maid and crossing guard near St. Anthony’s Elementary School, where I attended,” said Greg

McLogan ’88, a Hillsdale native. “She was always nice to me and very friendly.”

Caldwell is survived by her three children, four grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, according to Hampton Funeral Homes, which held her memorial service. The funeral home said in her obituary that she loved hunting, fishing, and taking care of her plants.

The Hillsdale Daily News published an article about Caldwell on Aug. 5, 1964, called “She brings smile to work with her.” When she first became an officer, her name was Linda Sawyer.

“Pretty Linda Sawyer brings her walking shoes, a smile, and a pad of tickets to work with her each day,” wrote Hillsdale Daily News Managing Editor Joe Cisneros.

Cisneros wrote having a female policewoman in Hillsdale was an asset. Caldwell accompanied a city patrolman when he was removing a neglected child from a home and helped FBI agents who were investigating local matters regarding women and children.

“I really like working with people,” Caldwell said in the article.

While Caldwell offered a feminine presence in the police force, according to Cisneros, she was not scared to get her hands dirty. She often repaired broken meters, hay balers, and bulldozers in her free time.

“The uniform is official looking and commands respect,” Caldwell said. “But a more feminine outfit might detract.”

Chi Omega House Director Jodi Martin said she knew Caldwell as a kind neighbor.

“I respected her as a police officer,” Martin said. “She was always very sweet, but you know she meant business.”