HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — Editors note: the video attached to this story is from previous coverage
America's longest-serving sheriff has entered hospice care, Executive Director of Georgia Sheriff Association Terry Norris said.
Cullen Talton — who has served as Houston County Sheriff since 1973 — was admitted into hospice care on Wednesday due to ongoing health issues, Norris said. He is 92 years old.
Norris says that his health took a turn for the worse.
The announcement happened as sheriffs from across Georgia gathered at the Georgia Sheriff's Association's annual lunch on Thursday, which is taking place in Jones County.
Talton has long been a fixture in Houston County law enforcement, and before his time as sheriff, he served as a Houston County commissioner.
In January, he will have completed 52 years as Houston County Sheriff.
Back in September 2023, Talton announced that his 13th term will be his last
"It's time for me to hang it up, so I won't run again," Talton told 13WMAZ at the time.
But through the years, Talton says that the job of being Houston County's Sheriff has been a joy.
"I enjoy what I'm doing!" he said.
Talton has been honored time and time again for his years of service. Just five years ago, Talton was honored at the luncheon and named Georgia Sheriff of the Year.
He announced his decision to not seek another term as the county commission honored him with a resolution.
His grandkids were there and spoke to him as a person — and grandfather.
"He's always been, kinda like, the person, like, the peacekeeper of the family," Ellie Talton said. "He's just such a role model to me. The way he always loves everybody, and how he always wants to serve. It just impacted not just me but the whole county as a whole. Just to love others and to serve others, not just on the county level."
Fareeha Abrar contributed reporting to this story