Remembering: Retired SPD Captain Calvin MacHenry Abram Sr.

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – Family and friends in the City of Shreveport are mourning the loss of a leader and public servant who dedicated a remarkable 42 years of his life to public service, retired Captain Calvin MacHenry Abram Sr.

With a knack for cooling tensions and a master at diffusing heated moments, family say they will remember his mild and gentle spirit.

Throughout his career, Abram dedicated 27 years to the Shreveport Police Department, five years with the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Department, and another decade serving as an officer with the Shreveport Airport Police.

Raised in Greenwood, Louisiana, in 1978, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Grambling State University, where he attended on a full-ride scholarship and excelled as a track star.

We spoke to his brother Antonio Abram, who shared with us many memories, accolades and even unique accomplishments between his life and career.

“He was also considered a track star in his younger years; he would run miles and miles. Believe it or not, there was a situation where somebody bet him that his horse could outrun him, for so many miles…He outran the horse…it’s funny, but he just loved track and field.”

This was not his only skill outside of his career. According to his son Derick Abram, Captain Abram was also known for his barbecue mastery, having won numerous awards in Shreveport over the years.

“The other thing that you have to know about my brother Calvin, is that he was a barbecue champion, and he would tell you ‘I got the plaques to show it’,” Antonio shared that his brother would participate in the Shreveport Heroes BBQ Event and others around the city.

His commitment to safeguarding the community has touched countless lives, earning him not just respect but heartfelt admiration from those who knew him.

With news of his passing, social media was flooded with tributes from those he had affected, sharing fond memories and stories of his impact and shining personality.

One social media user shared “…Calvin and I were working extra jobs keep people away cause they were doing pretend fires etc when they accidentally set the building on fire which was not the plan, the fire department on Milam came but also from central station because maybe fumes were still in the old holding tank which had never been removed.. it was like keystone cops…after wards I made the comment that’s was enough to curl my hair.. Calvin reached up and said LAWD my hair! he was totally bald! We laughed so hard I think I cracked a rib…”

His brother, Antonio continues shares how this approachable character translated to his work.

“So he was on the force for 27 years. And I can tell you this, we discussed it. He carried the gun every day. But for 27 years, he never had to pull that gun out of the holster, never. Because he knew people. He knew how to talk to people, and they respected him.”

Captain Abram was married to his wife, Patricia Abram for 40 years, a milestone they celebrated together with friends and family just months ago.

Together, they raised six sons: Towand, Johnnell, Derick, LaBante, Calvin II, and Divine.

As the community reflects on his legacy, they remember not just a dedicated law enforcement officer but a cherished friend whose warmth and kindness, they say, will never be forgotten.

His alma mater, Grambling University, released a Resolution of Condolence stating, “Captain Calvin MacHenry Abram, Sr., served this university as a proud alumnus and supporter, and through his example of character, commitment, and service, made a meaningful and lasting impact on those around him; and WHEREAS, the loss of his presence is deeply felt by family, friends, colleagues, and the entire Grambling State University community.”

Friends and family will gather this weekend to celebrate the life at Union Mission Baptist Church.