The Fremont Police Department has its first female police chief, the department announced Monday morning.
Kimberly Petersen will be the city's seventh police chief. She has served in the department for 22 years and was a captain for the last five and a half years, and was appointed as chief by City Manager Fred Diaz.
Petersen recently implemented the Mobile Evaluation Team, which partners police officers with clinicians to help community members who are experiencing a mental health crisis.
"I am honored to have the opportunity to lead this extraordinary team of people who dedicate their lives to protecting the city of Fremont," Petersen said in a statement.
Petersen received her bachelor's degree in human biology from Stanford University and a master's in security studies from the Naval Postgraduate School.
Former police Chief Richard Lucero in March announced his retirement effective July 25 after working in the department for 31 years.
