The Newton County Sheriff's Office honored Jack Simpson, 88, the oldest active police officer in the state of Georgia on Tuesday.

Sheriff Brown called Simpson a true investigator and tactician when it comes to the area of law enforcement. After Simpson's many years of serving as a police officer, the Sheriff's office was pleased to award him for his many years of service.

Simpson began his career in Arlington, Va. as an auxiliary policeman. He then spent 23 years in the FBI working as a special agent.

Simpson's colorful resume also includes being involved in many of the major civil rights cases.

He was involved in the James Earl Ray case, as well as the integration of the University of Alabama.

In fact, when Lemuel Penn, a decorated war veteran, was murdered by the Klu Klux Klan, Simpson was the agent to receive the confession that solved one of the FBI's most famous civil right's cases.

Simpson has served in Rockdale and Newton County as a bailiff and an investigator.

"I'm so proud to receive this award," said Simpson, who accepted the award alongside his two daughters Barbara Simpson Grayson and Joan Simpson Mitchell.

Simpson said he is proud to be a part of the Newton County Sheriff's Office, and calls the group "a close-knit family."

Simpson has written three books and writes a column for the Rockdale Citizen every Friday. He is still working part-time for The Newton County Sheriff's Office.

"We are proud of his lifelong service in law enforcement and especially pleased that Newton chose to support and honor him," said Simpson's family.