CLEVELAND – Family, friends, and members of public safety across northeast Georgia gathered in Cleveland Thursday to honor White County Sheriff Neal Walden and wish him well in his retirement.
White County Commissioners approved a resolution designating the day as Neal Walden Day in White County.
Prior to reading the document, Commission Chairman Travis Turner talked about Walden’s service to the county.
“Neal has run the office of sheriff with integrity and with honor and I will argue with anybody on that any day of the week,” Turner said.
Walden began his law enforcement career in 1979 and began serving the county as sheriff on Jan. 7, 1992, and has been elected to seven consecutive terms.
During Thursday’s celebration, representatives from different public service agencies along with his own staff, presented Walden with tokens of appreciation for his service.
Walden said he was humbled by the turnout.
“It’s been overwhelming to see this many folks come out,” Walden said. “I didn’t realize that there would be this kind of turnout. It makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something in this county.”
Walden’s wife Pam was asked about her being the one who encouraged his retirement.
“Neal was ready,” Pam Walden said. “Well yes, I was ready for him to play. I said it was ‘time for you to come home and play awhile.’”
Walden will end his service as sheriff of White County on Dec. 31. At that time, Sheriff-elect Rick Kelley will become the top law enforcement officer in White County.
