Matt Moulton reflects on his first 100 days serving as Houston County Sheriff

WARNER ROBINS — With over 100 days under his belt as Sheriff of Houston County, Matt Moulton is starting to settle in and has already started gathering a highlight reel. 

“I’m starting to get my feet under me. It is slowing down a little bit and things are making more sense to me,” he said. “It has been a great experience so far.” 

One highlight Moulton mentioned was hiring new personnel in the Detention Center and on patrol. 

“We’ve still got some openings that we need to fill, but we’ve hired about 15 in the Detention Center and hired about five or six in the Patrol Division,” he said. “I love watching the department grow.” 

Moulton also had a chance to work through his first budget for the Sheriff’s Office. He described the budget process as very smooth and is currently waiting for feedback from the Houston County Commissioners.  

Intertwined with the highlights, hiring quality personnel has also been a challenge Moulton has faced in his first 100 days as Sheriff. 

“I would love to have 20 to 25 applicants drop in an application that are qualified and ready and willing to do the job, unfortunately, we don’t get that,” he said. “It has been difficult hiring people, but we’re not going to lower our standards as the employees we are hiring are well qualified, and I think they will do great for the county.” 

Moulton said the feedback he’s received as Sheriff has been positive. The changes they are making, along with their professionalism, have been well-received by the community. 

“We’re a professional organization that’s approachable where people can talk to our deputies and get truthful answers while maintaining that same level of professionalism across the board,” he said. 

Over 100 days into his role, Moulton still feels bittersweet walking into his office every day. He said it doesn’t quite feel like it is his office and still feels like he is sitting in the late Sheriff Cullen Talton’s office. 

“Sometimes I catch myself sitting at the desk wondering why I’m here and he’s not sitting here, but that’s part of it. He was the Sheriff here for over 51 years,” he said. “It’s surreal and I’m very thankful for being in this position. I’m glad that the community trusted me and put me here.” 

Moulton wants the community to know that he will work hard to keep their trust as he continues his role as Houston County Sheriff.

Looking forward to the next 100 days, Moulton said the Sheriff’s office will undergo a uniform change as their manufacturer is currently not producing the color of pants the department wears. Moulton hopes to reveal the new uniforms by July 1. 

“We’re almost kind of rebranding the Sheriff’s Office as it will be a color change completely where we’ve worn navy blue shirts and French blue pants for over 50 years,” he said. “We’re going to forest green pants and silver and tan/khaki colored uniform shirts, so it’s going to be different. I’m looking forward to establishing the new branding for the Sheriff’s Office.”

Moulton also took the time to thank the men and women who work for the Sheriff’s Office and the community. 

“Without [the men and women], I definitely couldn’t do this, and I appreciate their support so much,” he said. “And for the community, I just thank them so much for their belief in me. I know I will work hard and will not disappoint them.”