Lewiston, Maine Appoints First Female Police Chief in 160+ Years

History has officially been made in Maine as Lt Carly Conley of Lewiston was sworn in as the city’s new chief of police, according to WMTW.

The first woman to ever hold this position in the departments 160 plus year history. It’s about time, right?

Conley is a Sabattus native and she started her career over 20 years ago in January of 2001, as per the article.

Carly Conley Makes History as Lewiston’s New Police Chief

She steadily rose through the rankings and made history as the first female supervisor of her department.

This news has caused a ripple throughout our state and as she stood before her colleagues and the community she expressed deep gratitude while accepting the role saying,

"I'm humbled and grateful to be appointed the chief of the Lewiston Police Department. The department has dedicated men and women who serve this city tirelessly, a city I am proud to call home, I accept this responsibility with the deepest sense of commitment."

You can watch below as Conley was appointed Chief of Police via WMTW YouTube.

Lewiston's Mayor, Carl Sheline spoke on Conley's character and leadership saying,

"Carly represents exactly the kind of leadership Lewiston needs now. She is steady, capable and deeply committed to Lewiston," WMTW

Chief St Pierre held the role before her and has since been nominated to serve as U.S. Marshal for the District of Maine, as per the article.

Many noticed that when she took the oath, she didn't make it about herself, she accepts the role gracefully and with much responsibility. You can tell she understands the power that this position holds and will do her level best to remind us all to be proud of Lewiston.

Chief Conley expressed her focus being to strengthen the trust between officers and residents through fairness, transparency and meaning connection saying,

"My vision is this: a police department that is visible, accessible, engaged — officers working with residents, building trust day by day,"

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In order to get to that place she is planning on holding public listening sessions, the first being scheduled for Wednesday Dec 10th.

This is a reminder to all women, especially young girls, that there dreams are achievable. Conley is living proof of this.