Former Georgia State Patrol Commander Don Stultz, a longtime law enforcement officer in Northwest Georgia, has passed away.
Stultz retired after a decades-long career with the State Patrol, serving approximately 40 years in uniform. He rose through the ranks from trooper to captain, ultimately overseeing operations across 14 counties in North Georgia.
Following his retirement, Stultz remained active in the community and ran for sheriff in Walker County in 2024.
News of his passing has prompted an outpouring of condolences from members of the law enforcement community. Austin Garrett, sheriff of Hamilton County, remembered Stultz as both a colleague and friend.
“Terribly sad to learn that an old friend and North Georgia law enforcement legend has passed,” Garrett said. “Don Stultz absolutely loved the ‘Patrol’ and spent 40 years serving in the blue and gray, working his way from trooper to captain, overseeing 14 North Georgia counties.”
Garrett also reflected on Stultz’s career highlights, noting he was the last trooper to operate the State Patrol’s well-known 5.0 Mustang in the 1990s. The vehicle has since been restored and is now used for public events. Stultz was also featured on the television series Real Stories of the Highway Patrol and played a leadership role during the response to the Tri-State Crematory disaster.
“He was a true law enforcement professional, a gentleman, and most importantly, a great friend who I greatly admired,” Garrett said. “Godspeed my friend.”
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.