New deputies, a second school resource officer, upgraded equipment, and upcoming community events signal a period of growth for Sheriff Wayne Wiley’s department.

By Ella McGalliard

The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office is entering a new chapter. With two new deputies heading into field training, a second school resource officer now in place, a donated transport van, and a fundraising golf tournament coming with the warmer weather, Sheriff Wayne Wiley says the department is working hard to meet the county’s growing demands — and to deliver on the promises he made to voters.

Since the consolidation of Hawkinsville and Pulaski County, the sheriff’s department has assumed responsibility for the entirety of the combined jurisdiction. “So, that has been a challenge,” Wiley said. “We need more deputies to be able to patrol and cover more of the county.” The addition of two new deputies brings the department to 16 full-time officers, but the search continues to keep the number of deputies growing. 

Two New Deputies Join the Force

The department recently welcomed Deputy Mark Schultz and Deputy Patrick Whilden, both sworn in by Sheriff Wiley. The two will enter the Field Training Program, with guidance and working beside an experienced Field Training Officer to become familiar with department procedures, technology, and the communities they serve.

Deputy Mark Schultz brings more than 31 years of law enforcement experience to Pulaski County. He retired from the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office as a Lieutenant after 26 years of service as well as serving five years with the Navicent Hospital Police Department. He is a certified Arson Investigator and certified Crime Scene Technician, and will add specialized expertise that will benefit the department and the community.

Deputy Patrick Whilden joined PCSO from the Warner Robins Police Department, and gained expertise through working with the Perry Police Department. He brings more than four years of law enforcement experience to the role.

A Promise Kept: Second SRO Now Serving Pulaski County Schools

On the one-year anniversary of her hire date, Deputy Amber Bowden officially accepted the position of School Resource Officer. 

She will now serve alongside Sgt. Danielle Rogers, the department’s existing SRO, to strengthen safety and maintain a consistent law enforcement presence across the Pulaski County School System.

Adding a second dedicated SRO to the school system was one of Sheriff Wiley’s campaign promises. With Deputy Bowden’s appointment, that promise has been fulfilled.

New Transport Van

The department has received a van donated by Laurens County to be used for transporting inmates, in which will be an upgrade from transporting by patrol cars. 

Tablets Bring Education Opportunities Behind Bars

Through a program currently in place at the jail, every inmate has access to tablets that allow them to take educational courses, including GED preparation. The opportunity is available to all residents of the 42-bed facility, which currently houses roughly 25 inmates.

Through the courses on the tablets, inmates are able to receive rewards for completed work by having the choice to watch a movie or visitation time. 

Sheriff Wiley also noted that deputies regularly assist at a nearby prison on their off-duty time, including efforts to deter contraband being dropped by drone. “We’ve got deputies that work every night, seven nights a week down at the prison,” he said.

Community Partnerships and Outreach

The department has maintained active relationships with community organizations including Family Connections and Stepping Stones, and has coordinated with the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety on traffic enforcement, including a recent road check at the river bridge.

The Sheriff’s Office has also been working to address theft issues at the Pulaski County Collection Point. Working with the county, they were able to clear the trees from the area for better visibility. 

Vacation Home Checks Available to Residents

A recent addition to the Sheriff’s Department is the availability for residents planning to travel and can request a vacation home check through the sheriff’s office. Deputies will periodically monitor the property while owners are away — a free service designed to deter break-ins and provide peace of mind.

Coming Up: Golf Tournament and a New Deputy on the Way

The Sheriff’s Youth Homes Golf Tournament is scheduled for June 4th, starting at 9 a.m. All proceeds benefit the youth homes directly. “It’s a wonderful cause,” Wiley said. “This money goes straight to them.”

Supporters can mail checks to the sheriff’s office or drop them off in person. A QR code for digital giving will be made available on Facebook for people to donate online.

The department is eagerly awaiting Jason Glover, who is completing his training in Forsyth on a salary paid by the department. He is expected to graduate next month. “We’ve really been looking forward to having him on the road,” Sheriff Wiley stated.

This addition will add to Sheriff Wayne Wiley’s goal in having more deputies out on the roads for the safety of the Pulaski County residents.

2025 Calls for Service

The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office has logged 12,371 total calls for service in 2025. A breakdown of reported incident types includes:

•  Fights / Assaults: 105

•  Missing Persons: 18

•  Theft / Larceny: 218

•  Stolen Vehicles: 7

•  Robbery: 8

Approximately 70% of calls originate within city limits. Since the consolidation of the Police and Sheriff Department, the Sheriff’s Department now covers all calls both in and out of city limits, where previously, the Police Department handled calls within the city limits.