About

     Known affectionately as “Chief” Almond James Turner was the first-born son of the late Almond and Lavancy Maxey Turner with one younger brother, Michael Turner. He began his earthly journey on August 21, 1950. Almond Turner was born and raised in Newton County.  He married his childhood sweetheart, Anita Franklin Turner in 1970. To this union, three children were born – Dwahn, Shaye and Shundra.

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     A lifelong resident of Covington, he attended the historic R. L. Cousins School and graduated in 1968. Upon graduation, his love of music and his aptitude for the trumpet, led him to Fort Valley State College. There, he majored in music with dreams of becoming a band director. However, he realized that playing his trumpet in  local bands would not be financially viable in order to take care of his young family.  While working as a security officer Turner, noticed a hiring ad for the Atlanta Police Department and decided to apply. His wife encouraged him to pursue an opening at the City of Covington Police Department since Covington was their home. Turner applied for both jobs and the day before he reported to take a physical for the Atlanta Police Department, the Covington Police Chief called him for an interview. He was hired on June 13, 1972. 

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       Almond Turner also attended DeKalb Community College where he earned an Associate of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and Troy University where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. He was a 1982 graduate of the FBI National Academy, as well as a 2002 graduate of Columbus State University's Command.

During his tenure at the Covington Police Department, he held a number of positions. Turner was promoted to Lieutenant in the Investigation Division in 1978 and then to Captain in 1984. In 1979 Almond Turner became a member of the original Newton County/Covington SWAT Team representing the City of Covington. He would be named the first African American Assistant Police Chief in 1997 and held that title through his retirement in 2016. 

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            Almond Turner was also asked to lead a Community Relations unit designed to develop relationships with youth in Covington, which he continued to do throughout his career. When he retired, Turner was The City of Covington’s longest tenured employee. He served The City of Covington and its residents as a police officer for 45 years.   

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     Although Almond  Turner was many things to many people, he was first a man of God. He faithfully raised his family at Bethlehem Baptist Church where he became an ordained deacon. While at Bethlehem he served in numerous ministries including the male choir and trustee ministries. He later joined Springfield Baptist Church in Conyers where he served under the Deacons Ministry and became head of security after retiring from the Covington Police Department. 

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     A proud graduate of the Newton County School System, Almond Turner became an elected Newton County School Board Member. He was first elected to serve on the Board of Education in 1996 and continued to serve to the present day. During his tenure as a board member, he employed his law enforcement and security experience to improve safety measures throughout the school system, which included the installation of cameras in all school buses and all classrooms. He also fought for change in school policies to make sure that any implemented would be fair and equitable to students, teachers, and administrators. Almond Turner was committed to supporting teachers and ensuring they had the necessary tools needed to provide children a quality education.

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     Almond had a passion for his community and loved serving others. You would often see him playing the trumpet in the Newton County Community Band. He also served with numerous local community organizations including: Executive Board of Directors of the YMCA; Board of Directors of Newton County Clean and Beautiful; Member of the Covington Kiwanis Club; Washington Street Community Center Advisory Board; and mentor at Cousins Middle School in Covington. 

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     It is obvious that Almond loved his Faith, Family and community. He is a man of dignity, service and compassion. Although he is no longer here on earth as a servant, here at the AJT Foundation we strive to continue his legacy and his story to encourage community relationships and to encourage education to local students. Almond James Turner will always be remembered.