(Paulding County, GA) On Friday November 8, 2024 Sergeant Mike Willingham officially retired from the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office. An official retirement celebration was held at the Sheriff’s Office Fleet Maintenance shop with Sergeant Willingham’s family, friends, and co-workers in attendance.
Sergeant Willingham began his law enforcement career with the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office in December of 1991 as a Jailer. In the spring of 1995 he attended Basic Mandate training where he graduated and became a Deputy Sheriff. After graduation he remained in the Jail Division where he was appointed as the supervisor over the Inmate Workforce (IWF) Division. While there, he helped implement a new Standard Operating Procedure for the IWF Division.
In December of 1999, he was recruited by the Acworth Police Department to oversee their newly constructed Jail. In June of 2001, Sheriff Bruce Harris (deceased), convinced Sergeant Willingham to come back home to the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office. Once he got back, Sergeant Willingham oversaw the construction of one of the very first “live fire” shoot houses to be constructed in northwest Georgia at the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office Training Center.
In August of 2005 Sergeant Willingham was tasked with the formation and implementation of the Motor Service Division. Sergeant Willingham created a streamlined approach to upfit patrol cars and equip them with the latest technology. Over the years he has helped grow the Sheriff’s Office fleet into over 300 vehicles which he oversees on a daily basis. During his over 33-year career in law enforcement, he served under three different Sheriffs and one Chief.
Sheriff Gary Gulledge stated, “I have known Mike my entire life. From growing up together in the New Hope community of Paulding County, to working together for over thirty years at the Sheriff’s Office, I am so glad we get to retire together. Mike has helped streamline our vehicle fleet processes and procedures over the years and helped ensure that our staff has the best vehicles that we can provide. I hope he enjoys retirement and gets to relax as much as he wants while spending time with his family.”
Sergeant Willingham’s law enforcement career has spanned over 33 years. During his tenure in law enforcement, he has seen many changes. We want to wish Sergeant Willingham a happy and relaxing retirement. Now he will have plenty of time to enjoy life, spend time with his family, and watch his grandson play college baseball.