Sheriff Fred T. Cole

Sheriff Fred T. Cole was born in Fort Pierce, Florida, in 1976. At the age of eight, he and his family moved to Douglas, Georgia, where he was raised and later established his own family. This early transition fostered a deep connection with the community, shaping the foundation of his lifelong commitment to public service.

Sheriff Cole began his law enforcement career in 2010, starting a little later than most, as a nighttime jailer at the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff Jerry Pope. His dedication quickly became evident, and he advanced to Patrol Deputy in December 2011 before joining the Criminal Investigations Division as a Detective in 2014. During this time, he honed his investigative skills and addressed a wide range of crimes with determination and integrity. In March 2018, Sheriff Doyle Wooten appointed him Chief Deputy, further establishing his reputation as a reliable and skilled leader in the community.

In 2024, Sheriff Cole was elected by the citizens of Coffee County and assumed office as the 34th Sheriff on January 1, 2025. He embraced the role with the same passion and dedication that has guided his career. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Sheriff Cole is a devoted family man, married to Shelley Cole, with three daughters: Ivee, Addison, and Emme. Together, they embody the values of service, integrity, and community engagement that Sheriff Cole champions.

In his first year as Sheriff, Cole led the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office to earn accreditation through the Georgia Sheriff’s Association—an achievement never before accomplished by the office. He also collaborated with command staff to establish The Sheriff’s Promise Foundation, furthering his commitment to enhancing community support and public safety in Coffee County.

“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,” said Sheriff Fred T. Cole.