[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 98 (Monday, July 16, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1335]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                PAYING TRIBUTE TO SHERIFF CULLEN TALTON

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                          HON. SAXBY CHAMBLISS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 16, 2001

  Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Sheriff 
Cullen Talton of Houston County. His dedication to the people of his 
county is deserving of the utmost recognition.
  Sheriff Talton being one of the most respected sheriffs in the state, 
became a recipient of the Liberty Bell Award on June 11, 2001. This 
esteemed award is given by Bar Associations across the United States to 
recognize special people in their communities. The award praises the 
achievements of contributions that exceed the work of the common man. 
The Houston County Bar Association presents the Liberty Bell Award each 
year to celebrate the work of someone who has contributed to our legal 
system beyond the significant call of duty. The recipient of this award 
is generally someone who has dedicated his life's work to better the 
legal system in hopes of making his community a better place for those 
who are to follow.
  Sheriff Cullen Talton has lived in Bonaire, Georgia, his whole life. 
Sheriff Talton has served 29 years as Sheriff of Houston County and 6 
years as County Commissioner. While serving his community as a law 
enforcement officer he has also maintained a personal life that deems 
recognition as well. Sheriff Talton married his high school sweetheart, 
Peggy Sears and they have been married for 51 years. Together they have 
raised four children, Carline, Pattie, Cully and Neal. There are also 
four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Keeping his faith as the 
focal point of his life he has been a life long member of Bonaire 
United Methodist Church.
  Sheriff Talton is a member of many civic organizations and has 
received an abundance of awards for his civic work over the past 35 
years. Sheriff Talton is a member of the Georgia Sheriffs Association 
and the National Sheriff's Association. His pet project is serving on 
the Board of the Georgia Sheriffs Boy's Ranch in Hahira. This Boy's 
Ranch is a place where underprivileged children can have a home. 
Sheriff Talton has been honored as Georgia's Sheriff of the Year and 
has received the Warner Robins/Houston County Chamber of Commerce Good 
Government Service Award. He serves as a board member of the State of 
Georgia Department of Corrections and is Chairman of the Board of 
Security Bank in Houston County.
  Sheriff Talton is a successful leader because he believes that the 
way to take care of the people is to know the people. He has maintained 
a respected Sheriff's Department because he maintains his open door 
policy to the citizens. This keeps him close to the community making 
him aware of its problems as well as its victories. The Liberty Bell 
Award speak volumes for the work that Sheriff Talton has done. He is 
greatly appreciated. If it were not for the dedication of people like 
Sheriff Cullen Talton our counties, states and country could not march 
forward.
  Mr. Speaker, Sheriff Cullen Talton has devoted his life to better 
serving his community. He spends tireless energy towards bettering his 
community and for that Sheriff Cullen Talton deserves our recognition 
and gratitude today.

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