A 22-year law enforcement veteran will become the Richmond County Marshal's Office's first Black woman promoted to the rank of colonel.
Lt. Monica Ephraim will be honored in a pinning ceremony at 1 a.m. Sept. 2 at City Hall. She serves in the RCMO's Community Services and Training Division.
"Col. Ephraim has earned this promotion through years of exceptional leadership, professionalism and service," Marshal Ramone Lamkin said. "She has the trust of this agency, our law enforcement partners and the community we serve."
In 2025, Ephraim attended more than 100 community outreach events and was recognized as the RCMO's Administrative Deputy of the Year. She also was named
a 2026 Hometown Hero by the Augusta National Golf Club for what the agency described as her leadership, volunteerism and dedication to the Augusta community.
"This promotion is both humbling and deeply meaningful," Ephraim said. "I am grateful to Marshal Lamkin for his confidence in me and to everyone who has supported me throughout my career. I look forward to continuing to serve Richmond County with integrity, compassion, and a commitment to strengthening relationships between law enforcement and our community."
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Richmond County Marshal's Office promotes first Black woman colonel
