Talton endorses Lt. Moulton in upcoming sheriff election

WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — Houston County Sheriff Cullen Talton is retiring this year after 52 years of service and made it known Tuesday who he wants as his successor: Lt. Matt Moulton. Talton publicly endorsed Moulton at an event on Jan. 21 in front of a room filled with community leaders, law enforcement, and Moulton’s family.

“Matt is the kind of person that we all will appreciate after we elect him sheriff. He’s going to be our next sheriff,” Talton said.

At the event, Moulton also delivered a speech, commending Talton for his exceptional leadership.

“In a perfect world, you’d be the sheriff for all of us for the rest of our time here. You will always be the sheriff of Houston County. I may be elected a sheriff in Houston County, but you will always be the sheriff of Houston County,” Moulton said.

Moulton spoke about his approach to following up with the aim of continuing Talton’s legacy.

“With the sheriff’s retirement, I look forward to the opportunity to step into the role of sheriff and lead the county just as Sheriff Talton has led the county for 52 years. I keep hearing a common theme that if it’s not broke, we don’t need to fix it,” Moulton said.

At the end of his speech, he pledged to provide the same level of transparency and accessibility as Talton.

“Sheriff Talton has always had an open door for anyone in the community to come sit and talk to him at any time. That door will remain open under my administration,” Moulton said.

After announcing his endorsement by Sheriff Talton, Moulton told the media that although it means the world to him, he can’t rest on his laurels.

“It’s still going to require a lot of work. Having the sheriff’s endorsement is great, and I’m very appreciative, with sincere gratitude. I appreciate it so much, but that doesn’t mean I just sit back and expect to get the job,” Moulton said.

Moulton knew he wanted to be in law enforcement since childhood. As his career progressed, he found his calling as a leader.

“I became an instructor to teach other officers how to do the job. So through that instructorship and that career, I learned that my place was going to be in leadership in an agency, and with Sheriff Talton winding down his career after 52 years, it opened the door, and with God’s timing, I’m in the right place at the right time, and I’ve got the opportunity to run for sheriff,” Moulton said.

Moulton stated that his leadership style is similar to the current sheriff. He also mentioned that present leadership will remain in their positions to ensure a smooth transition.

“He gives us the tools and opportunity, the resources to do our job, and he allows us to do our job. he supports us 100%. So that’s the same type of leadership I’m gonna have,” Moulton said. With 28 years of service, Moulton said he has worked nearly every job in the field, saying he has worked in several roles, from patrol to patrol supervisor to investigation to school resource officer. Moulton currently serves as a Lieutenant over the Criminal Investigations Division, supervising the department’s day-to-day operations.

Moulton believes that his extensive experience and current role makes him stand out from his competitors.

“I am the only active serving law enforcement officer in the race,” Moulton said. “I bring 28 years of dedicated experience. My entire adult life has been dedicated to law enforcement and public safety. I have the experience. I have the integrity, and I have proven results of leadership.”

In early December, Moulton announced his campaign on social media. Two other candidates, District Attorney Will Kendall and former Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Slate Simons, are also running for the same position.

Kendall reacted to Talton’s endorsement, providing a statement to The Journal, saying, “While I greatly appreciate Sheriff Talton and the years of excellent service he has dedicated to our community, this news does not change our campaign strategy of service and integrity. The sheriff is the highest ranking law enforcement officer in the county and a constitutional office. Therefore, it should be left to the people of Houston County to choose who their next sheriff will be based on experience, track record, and who is best equipped to serve. Simply put, this is not a position that can be handed down or given to a friend. I’m sure voters respect Sheriff Talton’s opinion, but Matt Moulton will have to earn the support of the citizens of this county like any other candidate.

“Our campaign has had incredible momentum with an amazing outpouring of local support, which includes leaders in the community who already knew of Sheriff Talton’s hand-picked successor. We will continue working hard to earn votes through qualifications not political influence. I wish each candidate the best in pursuit of office during this election and the very best to Sheriff Talton as he closes out his final term in office and his extraordinary career.

“Semper Fi and God Bless!”

The general primary election will take place on May 21. More information about Moulton’s campaign can be found at https://www.mattmoultonforsheriff.com/

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