SAN ANTONIO – Noah Calderon graduated top of his cadet class, has a near-perfect shot and is now the youngest deputy of the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office at only 18 years old.
Calderon is the youngest deputy to join the force since BCSO lowered its age requirement to let 18-year-olds apply for the academy.
“I passed everything, and next thing you know, they said I was starting July 2," Calderon said.
Calderon entered the Bexar County Sheriff's Office as a deputy 11 weeks later after setting several records while in the academy.
“I was really nervous because I knew that I was the only young one there, and to everyone else, I was a kid. Everyone else was 20-something, 30 years old,” Calderon said.
This is a first for BCSO since it started its Blue Shirt Program, lowering the age limit to enter the academy by one year.
“Now when they turn 18, they can come work for us,” Sgt. Elizabeth Gonzalez said. “In Noah’s case, he's very responsible. He graduated very early from high school. He scored academically top in the Bexar County cadet class.”
“My first test, I did very well. I got a 98. And the second test came around, I got a perfect 100. Third test came around, I got a 99, and then an 87 on the state exam. My whole average throughout the academy was a 99,” Calderon said.
The top cadet also has near-perfect aim, graduating just one shot away from being the top shooter.
“It didn't happen, and I’m humble about it. There's always someone that's better than you,” Calderon said.
Calderon credits discipline he learned through boxing and watching his father, who is a BCSO sergeant, as helping him succeed thus far.
Calderon is now looking forward to creating his own legacy.
“If you want it, go for it. You put your mind to it and you can do anything you want. I’m living proof,” Calderon said.
Calderon currently works the metal detectors at the jail, but he hopes to one day be a patrol sergeant and work with the specialized gang or narcotics unit.
If you'd like information on the Blue Shirt Program, click here.
