The Paulding County Sheriff’s Office held a retirement celebration reception for Colonel Jim Walker on July 21st. Col. Walker will officially retire from the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office on August 1, 2017 after 26 years of faithful service to the agency. Col. Walker retires as at the position of Chief Deputy, second in command under Sheriff Gary Gulledge.
Col. Walker began his career with PCSO in 1991, as a Detention Offer. Col. Walker worked his way to the Uniform Patrol division, then was tasked with the creation of a Training Division, which he headed for many years. Col. Walker is also credited as the creator of Paulding County Sheriff’s Office’s Field Training program. Col. Walker began PCSO’s SWAT team and was the Commander of the Honor Guard and the Crisis Negotiation Team.
As the Chief Deputy of the Sheriff’s Office, Col. Walker was tasked with overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Sheriff’s Office. Many will remember him for his stern demeanor as well as his huge heart when it came to helping underprivileged children every Christmas. Col. Walker was also one of the individuals who helped begin the Cops for Kids Christmas shopping program at the Sheriff’s Office.
Colonel Walker came to the Sheriff’s Office in 1991 after a distinguished twenty-two year career in the United States Marine Corps and the United States Army where he retired from the Army as a First Sergeant. As a native of Cherokee and Cobb Counties, he settled in Paulding County with his family when he retired from the military and came to work for the Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Gary Gulledge noted, “Colonel Walker is one of those men who does not need instructions or direction, he is motivated and knows exactly what to do and when to do it. He has made a career out of serving not only our country, but our community as well. He will be missed by us all; I hope he gets to enjoy many days of fishing in the future.”
Colonel Walker will be sorely missed by his co-workers and friends at the Sheriff’s Office. His relentless dedication and commitment to duty have been a true testament to his character over the years. We hope Colonel Walker enjoys his well-deserved retirement from serving our country and our county. Enjoy your retirement Col. Walker, you’ve earned it.
