Sheriff Fred T. Cole

Sheriff Fred T. Cole, born in Fort Pierce, Florida, in 1976, at the age of eight he and his family moved to Douglas, Ga where he was raised. This early transition allowed him to establish a profound connection with the community, ultimately leading him to build his own family here. Sheriff Cole embarked on his law enforcement career in 2010; a little later in life than most, beginning as a night-time jailer at the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff Jerry Pope. His unwavering commitment to service became evident as he rapidly ascended the ranks, transitioning to a Patrol Deputy in December 2011 and subsequently joining the Criminal Investigation Division as a Detective in 2014. During this time, he developed critical investigative skills, addressing a wide range of crimes with determination and integrity. His dedication and hard work led to his appointment as Chief Deputy in March 2018 by his predecessor,  Sheriff Doyle Wooten; further establishing his reputation as a reliable and skilled leader within the community.

          In 2024, Sheriff Cole was elected by the citizens and took the reins of leadership as the 34th Sheriff of Coffee County on January 1, 2025, a role he embraced with the same passion that has guided him throughout his career. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Sheriff Cole is a devoted family man, married to Shelley Cole, together they have three daughters: Ivee, Addison, and Emme. Together, they embody the values of community service and support that Sheriff Cole champions in his role. His commitment to making Coffee County a safer place resonates not only through his professional efforts but also in his family life- as he strives to be a positive role model for his daughters. Sheriff Cole exemplifies dedication and resilience as he tirelessly supports the community and is committed to creating a secure and supportive atmosphere for everyone.

“I have been looking forward to this day for a long time. It has always been my dream to serve the people of Coffee County as sheriff. I am truly grateful for this moment. I pledge that my team and I will serve and protect you and your family as though you were our own. We have a tremendous responsibility to make this community the safest and best community in the state. We will work every day to ensure that is the case. Thank you again for this opportunity,” -Sheriff Fred T. Cole