Former police chief, city alderman leaves community lasting legacy

Former Hallettsville PD chief and city council member, Elmo Grant, passed away last Wednesday, Jan. 3, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated service to the City of Hallettsville.

Grant served with pride as Chief of Police in Hallettsville for 21 years as well as a total of 30 years in law enforcement, where he always tried to be fair to all citizens.

In addition, following his retirement from law enforcement, due to medical reasons, Grant continued his dedicated service as a member of the Hallettsville City Council, where he served for 20 years, until he retired from his position last January.

“Dad was fair to everybody during his time as Police Chief,” Grant’s son Derrick said. “He used common sense when it comes to the lawbreakers. No matter what issue it was, he tried to be fair about it, so nobody got into serious trouble. As growing up and as from the older generation, my dad would see somebody impaired from alcohol and he would often follow them home to make sure they made it home properly.”

Derrick said following his service in law enforcement, his dad served for 20 years on the City Council.

According to Derrick, he knew his dad was very proud to serve on Council.

“In serving the City Council, it was evident that he was focused on the police aspects of the council,” Derrick said. “For example, when the council would rehire officers or a new Police Chief, he would make sure they were qualified for the job.”

Former mayor Warren Grindeland spoke on his thoughts of Elmo’s work as the PD chief.

“I see some of the duties of our police department as ambassadors to its citizens,” Grindeland said . “Chief Grant was the best. If he was in his patrol car, or walki n g a r o u n d the downtown area, his professionalism as a police officer, and as an ambassador went hand-inhand.”

Current mayor Alice Summers also commented on Elmo saying, “Elmo is not only an asset and an icon in this community, he was someone everyone could talk to. He helped a lot of people who were going wrong and turned them to the right way. He will be truly missed and he has already been truly missed when he stepped down from City Council.”

Prior to working in law enforcement, Grant was employed at the Hallettsville Independent School District as a faithful mechanic and a bus driver.

Elmo had a lot of enjoyments in life. He loved his family and was very fond of horses. He loved his grandchildren, he would always attend their games.

“He would attend their baseball, softball, football games and their graduation, plays, and pageants,” Grant’s daughter Effie said. “He was always there to give support.”

Elmo is survived by his wife Belinda of 53 years, and four children including son Derrick (Brandy), Effie (Melvin Grafe), Chastity (Vincent Carter) and Kulah.

Grandchildren are Makalen, Madis en and Maleeya Grant ; Caroline and Alicia Brown, and Ryder Grant-Franklin.

“He loved his family one thousand percent,” Grant’s daughter Chastity said. “The community has gotten so used to seeing him even after his stroke. He would sit on the front porch and people passing by would see him and wave. He had a contagious smile, even if he was in pain, he was always the same cheerful person. I think with him no longer being with us, everyone is just going to miss that contagious smile and his mannerisms towards everyone.”

Grant’s funeral will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Saturday, Jan. 13 at 1 p.m. A wake service will be at the Easton Building on Dowling St. on Friday, Jan. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m.