COVINGTON, Ga – Aldon Turner’s first pay check as a Covington police officer didn’t amount to much.
Just a few cents over 90 bucks, in fact.
Turner is retiring after 45 years of service in his native Covington. He joined the department in 1972. At that time, he was only allowed to patrol white neighborhoods as a backup.
He eventually made his way up the ranks to assistant police chief.
He describes his career in one word.
“Rewarding.”
“I was a music major,” Turner said. “I wanted to be a band leader, but God led me in a different direction. And here I am, 45 years later.”
Turner eventually earned a degree in criminal justice. “Law enforcement gave me an opportunity to develop a good career and serve and protect the people of Covington,” he said.
One of the biggest changes Turner has witnessed over his career is the increase in violence against police officers.
“I’m not saying there hasn’t been violence in the past,” he said. “Just not at the level we’re seeing today.”
