A historic promotion ceremony this September will break barriers in Georgia law enforcement.

Monica Ephraim is making history in Augusta, Georgia. She will soon become the first Black woman to hold the rank of colonel in the Richmond County Marshal’s Office. The promotion ceremony is scheduled for September.

Ephraim has devoted 22 years to law enforcement. She currently serves as a lieutenant. Her assignment is in the agency’s Community Services and Training Division. This promotion represents a major milestone. It also establishes a new precedent for Black women within the agency.

Ephraim’s path to colonel did not follow a straight line.She gained experienceacross several law enforcement agencies throughout Georgia. Her career began with the Albany Police Department.

She later moved to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office. Ephraim also served with the Augusta Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office. These diverse roles gave her a broad understanding of policing, investigations, and community engagement.

Her wide-ranging experience prepared her for senior leadership. Each position added valuable skills. She learned different aspects of law enforcement. This background makes her well-suited for her new role as colonel.

Ephraim’s work has not gone unnoticed. She received two significant honors recently. The Richmond County Marshal’s Office named her Administration Deputy of the Year.

She was also recognized as a 2026 Augusta National Hometown Hero. This award highlights her dedication to the Augusta community. It shows her commitment goes beyond regular duties.

These accolades reflect her reputation within the agency. Colleagues and community members clearly respect her work. The honors also demonstrate herpositive impact on public safety.

The promotion is significant given national statistics. Women are still underrepresented in police leadership roles nationwide. The U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics provided data from 2020.

That year, women made up about 14% of full-time sworn officers. They held only 11% of first-line supervisor positions. The numbers are even smaller at the highest ranks.

Among departments serving 250,000 or more residents, only 16% of police chiefs were women. The FBI reports even starker figures. Citing the 30×30 Initiative, they found that women are roughly 12% of sworn officers. However, they represent only 3% of police leaders nationally.

Ephraim’s promotion is especially notable as a Black woman. She is shattering a glass ceiling within the Richmond County Marshal’s Office. This achievement places her among the agency’s senior leadership.

The milestone carries historical weight. It represents progress in diversity and inclusion. Black women have been traditionally underrepresented in command positions. This promotion changes that reality in Augusta.

Young women and people ofcolor can see new possibilities. Ephraim’s example shows that advancement is possible. Her career path provides inspiration for the next generation.

Ephraim currently leads the Community Services and Training Division. This role focuses on connecting with residents. It also involves preparing other officers for their duties.

She has worked in both policing and investigations. These experiences shaped her leadership approach. They also deepened her understanding of community needs.

Her background in training is particularly valuable. She helps shape the next generation of officers. This responsibility ensures the agency maintains high professional standards.

The official promotion ceremony takes place in September. The event will mark the formal conferral of her new rank. It also represents a celebration of her career achievements.

This ceremony will be a historic moment for Augusta. It recognizes both Ephraim’s personal accomplishments and the agency’s progress. The event will likely draw attention from across the region.

Colleagues and community leaders may attend. The ceremony provides an opportunity to honor her dedication. It also highlights the importance of diversity in law enforcement.

Ephraim’s two-decade career has led to this moment. Her journey has been marked by steady advancement and service. The promotion to colonel is the culmination of years of hard work.

She has served the public through multiple roles. Each position prepared her for greater responsibility. Now she takes her place among the department’s top leaders.

Her achievement demonstrates the value of perseverance. It shows that dedication can overcome barriers. Ephraim’s story is one of determination and public service.

The impact of her promotion will be felt for years. It changes the face of leadership in Augusta law enforcement. This moment will be remembered as a step forward for the community and the profession.