(Cleveland)- Thursday was a day to honor White County Sheriff Neal Walden and wish him the best in his retirement. Family, friends, and members of public safety across northeast Georgia gathered at Cleveland First Baptist Church fellowship hall for a celebration.
White County Commissioners approved a resolution naming the day as Neal Walden Day in White County. Commission Chairman Travis Turner prior to reading the proclamation talked about Sheriff 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,” said Turner.
Walden began his law enforcement career in 1979 and began serving the county as sheriff on January 7, 1992, and has been elected to seven consecutive terms. Representatives from different public service agencies along with his own staff presented Walden with tokens of appreciation for his service during the celebration.
Walden said he was humbled by the turnout, “It’s been overwhelming to see this many folks come out. I didn’t realize that there would be this kind of turnout. It makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something in this county,” he said.
Walden’s wife Pam was asked about her being the one who encouraged his retirement, she said, “Well, Neal was ready. 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 December 31st at that time newly elected sheriff Rick Kelley will become the top law enforcement officer in White County.
