28th Sheriff Of Hillsborough County Dies At Age 77

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is mourning the death of former longtime Sheriff Cal Henderson who died Friday at the age of 77.

Henderson began his law enforcement career in 1965 with the Tampa Police Department. In 1967, he 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.

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.

He then served as the 28th sheriff of Hillsborough County from 1992-2004.

Following his retirement, former Sheriff David Gee assumed the position now held by Sheriff Chad Chronister, the county's 30th sheriff.

Henderson is survived by his wife, Jeanne Henderson, who lives 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."