HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — The Houston County community and law enforcement from around Central Georgia made their way to Southside Baptist Church Tuesday night to honor one of their own.
People paid their respects to the nation's longest-serving sheriff, Cullen Talton, who served Houston County for more than 50 years.
Don Wilson serves as National Vice President for the Georgia Patriot Guard. He and the rest of the Patriot Guard Riders were invited by the Talton family to be part of the celebration.
"Sheriff Talton became sheriff in this county the year I was born 52 years ago, so he's literally served a lifetime for this community," Wilson said. "Houston County law enforcement has a reputation nationwide of honor and respect and doing the right thing, even when its hard."
Deputies representing various agencies and counties from across the area, like Dooly and Dodge counties, are sharing the loss of a fellow law enforcement officer.
Bouqets of flowers representing those agencies lined the inside of the church, accompanied by a slideshow documenting the legacy Talton leaves behind.
"He's shown a lot of courage throughout the years, leading this county," Wilson said. "It's just an honor to be here and share in the celebration of his life."
Community leaders like Houston county Superintendent Mark Scott attended the services, and notes Talton's impact on the community.
"Sheriff Talton was just a friend to all that knew him. Just a legacy of leadership that he had here in Houston county," Scott said. "Just the support he provided to me as superintendent of schools and to the school district. He loved this community."
For the man that fearlessly led this community, the Patriot Guard Riders will now lead him through his final ride following his 11 a.m. services.