Sons of the American Revolution recognizes Sheriff Cullen Talton

WARNER ROBINS, Ga. – The Sons of the American Revolution awarded Sheriff Cullen Talton the Law Enforcement Commendation Medal.

The organization is a lineage society whose members are descendants of those who served during the Revolutionary War in 1776. According to John Trussell, Publicity Chairman and former President of the Ocmulgee Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, members are directly related, and this is proven through records. He also shared it is the most prominent men’s lineage group in the United States. 

Trussell said one of their most prestigious awards is the Law Enforcement Commendation Medal. The honor is not awarded every year, however, Trussell noted that they decided to give Sheriff Talton the award for his 51 years of service to the county. He also shared that Sheriff Talton has been the longest-serving sheriff in Georgia and the United States. 

Sheriff Talton first became a County Commissioner, but he soon ran for sheriff and was elected to his first term in 1972. Sheriff Talton has served 13 terms since then and seen the county’s population grow tremedously.

“We don’t even give it every year, but when we have people that have done a great job for a long time and need to be recognized for outstanding service, we do award it and we definitely wanted to award that to Sheriff Talton,” said Trussell.

According to Trussell, he is not the first Talton to serve as sheriff. Talton’s great-great-grandfather, William H Talton, also served as sheriff for two terms during the 1850s. 

As sheriff, he manages a full-service agency with over 300 personnel providing patrol, traffic, investigative functions, court services and detention facilities. According to Trussell, he is also responsible for the E-911 center, which receives calls and dispatches for all county law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and medical services.

“He’s very special and we just appreciate him and all the great staff that he has that have served and protected the people of Houston County,” said Trussell.

Trussell also served in law enforcement, working with Sheriff Talton for many years. Trussell retired in 2005 as a Chief Probation Officer for the Superior Court.

Sheriff Talton is retiring from his position in 11 months; District Attorney Will Kendall, HCSO Lt. Matt Moulton and former HCSO Sgt. Slate Simons are running for election to the role. Trussell said since he was passing his role on to the next generation of law enforcement, it was the perfect time to award him the medal. 

“We felt wonderful about him receiving the award and it was a very happy moment for all of us,” said Trussell. “We were able to honor him and all of his great staff. It was a really good occasion, and we were proud to participate.” 

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