CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. () – There was a historic promotion at the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office on Friday.

Major Nicole Scott-Bond, now lieutenant colonel, is the highest-ranking woman in the sheriff’s office history.

It was standing room only at the promotion ceremony, celebrating the first black woman, to hold rank of lieutenant colonel. Tears of joy, gratitude, respect and love filled the room as colleagues not only honored a leader but a member of their work family.  

After 23-years of service, she stood before the people she’s leaned on for support those, she’s helped mold and the team who recognized her with this historic promotion.

“When I first walked in, I teared up because I was like, it was just unbelievable how so many people pay attention because you never know when people are paying attention,” Scott-Bond said. “You never know. To know that so many people are paying attention, and they have watched my journey. It really made me feel overwhelmed.”

She will now oversee the detention center, from booking down to food services for detainees.

“I understood that if you don’t get the promotion, it’s not your time.” Scott-Bond said. “And in due time you will get what you deserve. I have gone through that journey with that same belief. When it’s your time, it will come. Today is my time.”

It is an achievement she hopes inspires other women.

“Anything that you strive to do, push forward,” Scott-Bond said. “Don’t let anybody discourage you and say what you cannot do because you can do it.”