‘America’s longest serving sheriff.’ Houston County’s John Talton has died, officials say

Houston County Sheriff John Talton has died, according to Gov. Brian Kemp and the sheriff’s office.

Kemp said that Talton, who was retiring and was set to be replaced by the winner of the November election this year, was the longest serving sheriff in the United States.

“For nearly 52 years, Sheriff Talton remained committed to serving and protecting the people of his community and became a beloved fixture of Georgia law enforcement,” Kemp said in a statement. “We will keep the Talton family, the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, and all those made better by his public service in our prayers during this time.”

The Houston County Sheriff’s Office later confirmed Talton’s death on Facebook.

“The family of Sheriff Cullen Talton and the Houston County Sheriff’s Office are deeply saddened to announce that Sheriff Talton passed away peacefully this morning in his home,” the sheriff’s office said. “Please keep the Talton family in your thoughts and prayers.”

State Rep. Jon Burns, the speaker of the Georgia state House, said in a statement that he was “deeply saddened” to hear of Talton’s death.

“For over 51 years , Sheriff Talton faithfully dedicated his life to the service and protection of his fellow Georgians and the community which he loved dearly,” Burns said. “The Talton family and the Houston County Sheriff’s Office remain in our prayers during this difficult time.”