Former Bulloch County Sheriff’s Patrol Deputy Prethenia Cone made history last week when she became both the county’s first female and first African-American to be promoted to the rank of investigator, said Sheriff Noel Brown.

He said he had been eyeing Cone for a possible promotion since he started campaigning for the sheriff’s seat last May. Her compassion and attention to detail when it comes to helping others is one of the main reasons he promoted her, he said.

Cone was humble in talking about her promotion, but her excitement was evident. She said she is ready to jump in with both feet.

The Booklet native and 1993 graduate of Southeast Bulloch High School worked as a corrections officer in Florida for several years, then returned to Bulloch County to work as a probation officer. In January 2007, she joined the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office as a courthouse deputy and six months later became a road patrol deputy.

Her real interest, however, was in becoming more involved in law enforcement as an investigator.

“There was an opening (for investigator) three or four years ago, and I applied for it,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to go further and more in depth” when it came to cases she handled.

Cone took classes to educate herself on how to “grow and step out further and investigate,” she said. So, when Brown asked her to be the department’s first black and first female investigator, she accepted.

“I was humbled and honored to be thought of,” she said. “I went home, prayed, and God’s answer was yes.”

As far as being the first female and first black investigator with the department, “I haven’t given it much thought,” she said. “I was given a task to do and will do it.”

Simply becoming an investigator has more merit than the historical aspect of her promotion, she said.

However, Brown said that he feels Cone’s position could be helpful when talking to others who might be more comfortable dealing with a black or female investigator.

“A good deal of it is helping out a lot of people — answering questions and giving assistance,” Cone said.

The job will be a bit different from what she is used to, however.

“It will be unknown territory for a while, but I got warm welcome” from the other investigators, she said. “I’ve always had a desire to help others. It will be a challenge shifting gears,” but she is up to it, she said.

Brown said he feels he made a great choice in promoting Cone.

“I have been working with her 10 years, and I am impressed. She really gets into her job and cares about people,” he said. “She goes that extra mile, and in investigations, you have to have that empathy. Pre (Cone’s nickname used by friends and coworkers) will no doubt open up barriers that may have been in existence. She has a love for people and is a great Christian as well.”

Herald reporter Holli Deal Saxon may be reached at (912) 489-9414.