ABOUT ME
DON STULTZ
WHERE I COME FROM
Don Stulz, Jr. was born in May 1958 to Don Stultz, Sr., a decorated WWII veteran, and Nell Robinson Stultz, a longtime healthcare professional. She was also a Patriot who worked during WWII on the Manhattan Project in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Growing up in LaFayette, Georgia, Don graduated from LaFayette High School, Class of 1976. Raised to be a hard worker, Don worked his first job with his uncle, earning $.25 per hour. Don later worked as a delivery boy at his father's furniture store, Suburban Discount Furniture. Don then attended several colleges and universities, including Dalton State College, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Brenau University, North Western University School of Staff and Command (Illinois), and Columbus State University (Georgia). He has pending degrees in Business Administration, Criminal Justice, and Public Administration. Don, his wife Maggie, a 31-year educator and PrinciPAL of LaFayette High School, and their six-month-old Chocolate Lab, Willow, reside in LaFayette.
A THRIVING CAREER
Don Stultz began his law enforcement career as a reserve police officer with the City of LaFayette and was later employed as a patrolman in 1978. In 1980, after an extensive background check and physical fitness test, Don fulfilled his lifelong dream of being part of the elite Georgia State Patrol. After 37 years on the patrol, Governor Nathan Deal and the Georgia Board of Public Safety confirmed Don’s appointment as Troop A Commander at the rank of Captain. As Troop A Commander, Captain Stultz supervised the operations of the Georgia State Patrol in fourteen Northwest Georgia counties. This territory included seven patrol posts, Troop Emergency Communication Divisions, and the Troop’s Specialized Reconstruction Team (SCRT). In 2018, under the leadership of Captain Stultz, Troop A was awarded the TOP Troop Award for the first time in Troop A history. Don also received recognition from the Georgia General Assembly for his leadership at the Tristate Crematory disaster, where over 339 bodies were discovered in open, shallow graves and other improper handling of the deceased loved ones in our community. On January 1st, 2020, after 42 years of devoted public service, Don retired from a thriving career in law enforcement. In September of 2023, gathered with family and friends, Retired Captain Don Stultz announced his intention to become your next Sheriff to make Walker County a safer place to live, work, and raise a family.
MY MISSION
PUBLIC SERVICE:
As Sheriff, I will be a dedicated servant to the public. My staff and I will always strive to be available, knowledgeable, well-informed, and in uniform daily in order to achieve Walker County's utmost potential.
PUBLIC SAFETY:
A Sheriff's first obligation is to protect the community against harm from within and outside the community. I will always protect the property and well-being of Walker County's citizens, as well as the rights of our people, from bureaucratic overreach. A safe community is a prospering community that allows citizens to feel protected and prosperous.
SERVICE ABOVE SELF:
A motto instilled into me as a young man, "Service Above Self," symbolizes the unselfish sacrifice one makes for their community. I will always strive to serve the Citizens of our County above myself inside and outside of the Sheriff's Office. This includes an open-door policy, transparency, and honesty to the public.
HIGHLY TRAINED AND EDUCATED:
A Sheriff is responsible for the training and performance of the complement. A well-trained and educated officer is up-to-date with knowledge and best suited to serve the community. As the Sheriff of Walker County, I will ensure that proper training is current with all officers, K-9s, and office staff to enhance leadership from the inside out.
MOTIVATED:
A motivated Public Servant leads from the front. Furthermore, self-motivation is motivation in its highest form. As Sheriff, I will vow always to be motivated and optimistic while leading our County. I will also ensure my staff has the tools and resources to feel confident and competent in their ability to protect and serve our community.