WASHINGTON, La (KLFY) – Residents of Washington are welcoming aboard a new police chief–voting in Latoya Trent Tuesday night.

You may recall, the former chief was ousted in a recall petition, putting the town through several interim chiefs.

Now the town is making history with its new police chief as she’s the first ever female chief for the department.

“It’s exciting. I’m blessed,” said Washington Police Chief-elect, Latoya Trent.

Trent swept the board for the title–earning 69% of the votes.

“I was calm up until the end when they came down with the results, then I got a little nervous,” said Trent. “Once I got the results it was like a big relief.”

Trent is no stranger to the police department. She already has five years of experience under her belt and has been interim chief for the past two months, although she already has plans in place.

“Work with the youth and try to do more with them and the elderly, keep the crime rate down, and build a relationship with the community,” said Trent.

Trent says Washington residents can expect the same dedication from her officers.

“They’re going to perform their job duties as if they’re suppose to, they’re going to respond to their calls, they’re going to patrol,” said Trent.

Trent says eventually she’d like to start a junior police program.

“To let them know that the officers are here to help,” said Trent. “A lot of kids think that they’re snitching when they tell things, but in actuality they’re actually helping themselves and others.”

Trent says the police department is fully staffed right now, but she hopes to hire more officers in the coming year.