Show will go on for 'Singing Sheriff' of Caldwell County even after leaving office

LOCKHART, Texas - After 20 years serving Caldwell County, Sheriff Daniel Law will turn in his badge at the end of this year. The sheriff said he got sick of working in politics and decided it was time to change his tune.

Fifteen years ago, Law came up with the idea to hold karaoke night at a local restaurant.

“I went to the owner and said, ‘Let's try this. Do you want to make this a family establishment? Let's just make a place for the kids to go Friday nights,’ because there was nothing here,” said Law. 

One night, he was encouraged to join in.

“Somebody said, ‘You sound pretty good. Would you try it?’ So it grew from the karaoke that we were doing for the kids. It started with a job, into here we are now,” Law said. 

Where he is now is on stage with his seven band members.

“The band's name is Daniel Law and the Texas High Riders,” said Law. 

It may seem an unlikely hobby for a self-proclaimed recovering introvert, but, for the sheriff, the cure to any heartache on the job comes from performing.

“One of the biggest stress relievers that I’ve ever found,” he said. 

This year, the singing sheriff realized it was time to face the music. Law has decided to turn over his badge at the end of this year, instead of seeking his sixth election. 

"Maybe it's time for me to let someone else take the reins. After all, I’m not getting any younger,” said Law. 

One of the legacies he is proudest of is changing jail policies and operations. Law said by treating inmates with respect and providing them with education and employment programs, he was able to end overcrowding. 

“We've broken that cycle of recidivism by getting them to understand that they don't have to come back to jail and, you know the old story cliché teach a man to fish, well, we just taught them how to take care of themselves,” Law said.  

He hopes his 20 years in office made a positive impact on the community. 

“If someone would say, ‘He did a good job,’ that's all I care about, even if it's just one person,” said Law. 

However, there’s one thing the singing sheriff isn't ready to give up yet, his microphone. 

“I like it. I've always wanted to. It was a dream back when I was growing up,” Law said.