Who was Caleb Rule, the Fort Bend County Precinct 4 deputy constable killed by friendly fire?

SIENNA PLANTATION, Texas – Fort Bend County Precinct 4 Deputy Constable Caleb Rule was shot and killed Friday in a friendly-fire incident while responding to a call, according to investigators.

Troy Nehls, sheriff of Fort Bend County, said that authorities were conducting a property check at a home in Sienna Plantation when one of his deputies shot Rule in the chest while searching the home. He was taken to Memorial Hermann Hospital in the Texas Medical Center where he died.

An investigation is underway to determine the circumstances of the shooting.

Who was Rule?

Officials said Rule worked for the Precinct 4 Constable’s Office for nine months. He was assigned to the Riverstone neighborhood as part of a contract for a night-shift patrol.

Prior to that, Rule worked in multiple roles for the Missouri City Police Department for 14 years.

The deputy constable is survived by his wife and four children ages 13 to 18, officials said. His eldest daughter was set to graduate Friday night, according to Constable Trever Nehls.

Rule was hired in September and was assigned to the Riverstone subdivision as a patrol deputy.

“He was extremely dedicated to the job,” Trever Nehls said. “He was a family man. (He was) a devoted husband, a devoted father, and he spoke often of his family and the love of his family.”

According to Trever Nehls, Rule was a mentor to the younger deputies, who enjoyed his camaraderie and learning from him.

Rule had an outgoing personality and he loved the community.

“I would say that was one of the key trademarks of Deputy Rule,” Trever Nehls said. “His engagement and love for the community he served.”

Rules former colleague at Missouri City Police Department, Sgt. Jay McClellan, told KPRC 2 that he lost a dear friend.

“Rule is family, he is family," McClellan said. “ He was a great man, a great mentor and he loved his children, his family and his wife.’

McClellan said that the two started their enforcement career together 17 years ago. Their paths lead them in different directions but the two remained friends.

“He had so much drive, always willing to help and always willing to get it done," he said.

McClellan said that he and other police officers from Missouri City plan to attend the Needville High School graduation to show their support of Rules daughter who is graduating.

“He will be missed.”

In addition to his work as a deputy constable, Rule and his family were also involved in productions with the CAST Theatrical Company in Rosenberg.

“He was involved in acting, directing, tech, house, just about -- you name it, he was involved with it,” said Michael Thorpe, a member of the board of directors.

Board president Roger Bauer said Rule joined the company in 2012. He was helping with sound and lighting for an upcoming performance.

“He will be missed is probably the best way I can put it,” Bauer said. “He will be missed.”