Meet the candidates for Walker County Sheriff
Two candidates, both Republicans, are running for Walker County sheriff: Don Stultz and incumbent Steve Wilson, who is seeking reelection, firmed by the Georgia Board of Public Safety to serve as Troop Commander for Troop A of the Georgia State Patrol. Under my leadership, Troop A excelled in drug interdiction and criminal apprehension, including human trafficking, sex crimes and other heinous crimes. Troop A was awarded the TOP Troop Award for the first time in Troop History one year after I took over. I retired in 2020 to care for my mother, Nell — a promise I made to my late Father.
Political history: I am not a Politician, I am a Lawman. I served on the LaFayette City Council from December of 1990 until December of 1995; however, I consider myself a political outsider.
Volunteer work, associations, etc.: Member of LaFayette First United Methodist Church. Have been part of many national and international organizations and previously served in the LaFayette Rotary Club. Currently, I volunteer for five non-profit groups, including the Sexual Assault Victims Advocacy Center, serving three Northwest Georgia counties including Walker County. Area Chairman for Ducks Unlimited of Northwest Georgia. Ducks Unlimited is both a national and international conservation group. Active volunteer for the Dalton chapter of Ducks Unlimited and in the Gordon Pond Fishing Club. I also enjoy the history and heritage of our county and state. Part of the historical Marsh House Committee, serving as a local community board member.
One or two living elected officials within the state of Georgia whom you admire: Governor Nathan Deal was a knowledgeable and kind man to work for. He was instrumental in bringing our State forward during difficult times. His ideas brought Commerce to our State, and in particular, North Georgia. He was also a man that supported law enforcement and fostered commitment among all.
I also admire Commissioner Robert Stultz, District 4 Commissioner of Walker County. I respect his high level of service to others and faithfulness to the term “Service Above Self,” a quality that was instilled in him by our father. My brother’s day begins well before daylight and ends well after dark. Robert is deeply devoted to everyone he serves and to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Why are you the best choice for the office you seek? I am not a Politician, I am a Lawman. I believe that Walker County is in desperate need of new leadership. We are faced with an out of control drug epidemic, rising homeless crimes, and lackluster customer service. I believe my 40+ years of experience and 3,000+ hours of training and education have prepared me to better serve Walker County as your sheriff.
Contact info: Website: www.stultzforsheriff.com; Facebook: “Don Stultz for Sheriff — Walker County”; Email: Don@stultzforsheriff.com; Phone: 423605-0369
Political party: Republican
Personal: My great, great, great grandparents settled in the Cane Creek district, Walnut Grove Community of Walker County in 1850. My wife, Sandy, and I raised our family in the same community where my great, great, great grandparents settled 174 years ago. I am the son of George and Ann Bradley Wilson. I have a brother, Dale Wilson. My wife and I have been married 42 years. We have three children and seven grandchildren.
Work history: I began my law enforcement career with the F.B.I. in 1976. I worked with the Georgia Department of Corrections and the LaFayette Police Department prior to joining the Walker County Sheriff’s Office in 1986. In 1996, I was a candidate for Sheriff and was elected in the November general election. I have served seven terms as Sheriff of Walker County.
Political history: I was elected Sheriff in November 1996. I took office on January 1, 1997.
Volunteer work, associations, etc.: Member and Deacon of Oakwood Baptist
Church, Chickamauga; past board member of the Family Crisis Center and Cottage; member of Blood Assurance, North Georgia Advisory Board; member of Chickamauga Lions Club; president of Al Millard Memorial Stocking Full of Love; trustee of Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes Foundation; past president Georgia Sheriffs’ Association and Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes
One or two living elected officials within the state of Georgia whom you admire: Sheriff Cullen Talton, Houston County, Georgia
Why are you the best choice for the office you seek? I have dedicated my adult life to serving in law enforcement at the Federal, State, City, and County level. I have served as Sheriff of Walker County since 1997 and I have worked at the Sheriff’s Office since 1986. I am well-trained and knowledgeable of how to operate a jail, courthouse security, patrol and detective divisions. I have a great working relationship with our law enforcement partners at the Federal, State and local level. I am the only candidate for Sheriff that has worked to prosecute murders, drug dealers, sex crimes, frauds, burglaries and thefts. I have led the Sheriff’s Office for the past 27 years with compassion for victims, firmness towards criminals, and have worked to represent the citizens with a professional image. Serving the citizens of Walker County has been an honor of a lifetime.
Contact info: Phone: 706638-4500; Email: walkersheriff01@gmail.com; Website: www.sheriffstevewilson.com; Facebook: www.facebook. com/sheriffstevewilson
Tamara Wolk is a reporter for The Catoosa County News in Ringgold, Ga., and Walker County Messenger in LaFayette, Ga.