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“I always knew this day would come, I just kind of hoped it wouldn’t,” Sheriff Cullen Talton said as he hugged one if his best friends on Friday.
Talton stood before a packed room with Col. Rueben McGhee and praised him for his 40 years of wonderful service.
Talton jokingly said McGhee, who originally wanted to be a state trooper, made the right decision by joining the Houston County Sheriff’s Office in 1973.
“He has been with me from the beginning. I’ve done everything I know to do to get him to stay,” Talton said as he laughed.
County Commission Chairman Tommy Stalnaker, commending McGhee for his loyalty, said, “I have never seen a person more loyal to the Sheriff or his employees.”
He was presented with a plaque and a few gifts from the commissioners in appreciation of his service to the county.
McGhee stood before those who shared their memories of his career and celebrated his years of hard work. He humbly accepted the gestures made by his employees and many others.
He said he plans to rest a little and do some work around the house after 40 years of routine. He said he also plans to spend time with his grandchildren and daughter.
McGhee’s retirement will leave a hole in the No. 3 spot at the sheriff’s office, but he said it has been a great ride and now it is time to let someone else move up in the ranks.
HHJ News
