Major and Superintendent (February 1946-June 1947)
Major and Superintendent Callahan was selected by the Board of Police Commissioners to replace the popular and effective Colonel Kelly. Superintendent Callahan was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1895, but his family soon moved to Pennsylvania.
In 1914, the young Mr. Callahan joined the United States Army and saw action in France during World War One, where he was wounded. Ironically he served briefly under Former Major and Superintendent Pelham Glassford.
In 1920, Harvey Callahan joined the Metropolitan Police Department as a private, but was soon a sergeant instructor at the Police training School. As he made his way through the ranks in the department he became the first Metropolitan Police officer to attend the prestigious FBI course for public officials.
Prior to becoming Superintendent, then Captain Callahan was widely regarded for his brave testimony during Congressional hearings regarding police deficiencies. He was the first Superintendent to institute regular firearms training for officers and was responsible for updating the Police Manual.
Superintendent Callahan was also recognized for his influence in embracing modern crime fighting techniques and leading the department toward a better crime fighting record.
Unfortunately, Superintendent Callahan became ill while in office and succumbed in 1947.