ALPBA scholarship recipient plans to hit the ground in college

Dec 11, 2024

By Katharine Jefcoats

Editor

Maddie Cone is not afraid to get her hands dirty.

The Auburn University freshman is eager to show her certified love for the outside world with a degree in agricultural education. It is far afield from the profession rooted in her family – law enforcement.

1. Maddie Cone is active in FFA

“I chose this field to create change in the world through my love for agriculture and education,” she said. “I will be the first in my family to become academically involved in agriculture.”

Because her father is a LEO and a member of PBA, Maddie qualified to apply for the annual scholarships funded by the PBA’s Police Benevolent Foundation. She is one of about two dozen students to win the award this year. Her father, Ragland police Officer Scott A. Cone, has about 20 years of experience under his belt.

Maddie said the scholarship bolsters her own lifelong support of LEOs.

“Receiving this scholarship is a great honor,” she said. “Law enforcement runs deep in my family. This scholarship not only helps to alleviate the financial burdens of college, but it also shows the great support PBF has for the families of law enforcement. Receiving this scholarship as a daughter of a police officer empowers me to talk about the differences of being in a law enforcement family and growing support for all enforcement in general.”

Maddie got a small taste of her father’s work when she went on a ride along at 13.

“Seeing him in action gave me a new respect for what he does,” she said. “It wasn’t just about enforcing laws; it was about helping people in their worst moments. Our home was different too — safety and awareness were constant lessons. My dad’s job taught me responsibility, caution and a deep respect for the work he does, knowing he’s out there every day making tough decisions for the good of the community.”

Not all of Officer’s Cones days are filled with bad news and hopelessness. He said he remembers a case that started off with apprehension for him and his fellow officers but that ended on a high note.

“The most memorable day on the job would have to be when an elderly woman was kidnapped from her home,” he said. “Investigators quickly identified the suspect through business security cameras and tracked him using traffic cameras. This led to me and other SWAT team members entering a house, where we found her alive and safe. I was the first responding officer on that case, and it all culminated with me traveling to a neighboring state to pick up the suspect, who had been stopped by state police.”

But it’s the tough days that worried a young Maddie.

“Growing up as the daughter of a law enforcement officer has deeply shaped who I am,” she said. “My dad’s job was always a mix of pride and worry for me. I remember waiting up late, listening for his boots and feeling a mix of relief and anxiety when he walked through the door. He never shared too much about his work, but when he did, I could see the weight he carried. The stories he told, like responding to difficult calls, made me realize how much he sacrificed for others.”

Her remedy was to always have a part of him to hold tight or a quick call to hear his voice.

“I was often anxious about having a parent in such a dangerous job,” she said. “There were nights when I’d lie awake, worrying if he’d come home safely. The unpredictability of his work always lingered in the back of my mind. What helped soothe my fears were the stuffed animals he gave me over the years. Each one felt like a piece of him, something I could hold onto when he wasn’t around. I’d hug them tightly on those nights when the worry was too much. And when I really needed reassurance, I’d call him just to hear his voice, even if it was just for a minute. Knowing he was okay, even briefly, made it easier to get through the night. Those small comforts helped me manage the anxiety that came with loving someone in such a risky job.”

Her career in agriculture education likely will not bring such anxiety and fears. Maddie said she is excited about her future teaching young students to love and appreciate the earth and its bounty as much as she always has.

Maddie Cone with her dad, Ragland police Officer Scott A. Cone

“My career plans as an agriculture educator involve teaching high school students about the importance and reach of agriculture,” she said. “After earning my degree in agriculture education, I plan to create engaging, hands-on learning experiences that cover topics like plant and animal science, environmental stewardship and agribusiness. My goal is to inspire the next generation to appreciate and pursue careers in agriculture, ensuring they understand its vital role in society.”