Windsor has its first female deputy police chief.
The Windsor Police Services Board has announced it has hired two new deputy chiefs which include 34 year veteran Inspector Brad Hill and 24-year veteran Superintendent Pam Mizuno.
Mizuno becomes the highest ranking female police officer in Windsor's history.
"I wanted to contribute to the organization and I feel I have a lot to contribute," she says. "I have worked hard over the last year as a superintendent and I felt it was a good next step for me."
Mizuno says she is proud to be the first female deputy police chief in Windsor.
Windsor Police Services Board Chair and Mayor Drew Dilkens and Police Chief Al Frederick welcome Windsor's new deputy police chiefs. April 10, 2018 (Photo by AM800's Teresinha Medeiros)
The promotions are effective immediately.
Hill will be the deputy chief of operations which includes patrol and Mizuno will be the deputy chief of operational support handling training, human resources and IT.
Police Services Board Chair and Mayor Drew Dilkens says six internal candidates applied for the positions.
Hill says the Windsor Police Service is facing three main challenges.
"You have the opioid crisis that is always an ongoing challenge in our community in our downtown core. The legalization of marijuana is going to be a challenge both internally and externally and I look forward to us policing Amherstburg and taking over the contract in Amherstburg."
Hill says there were a lot of strong candidates within the police service which makes it more difficult but he adds, "I appreciate the fact that they were involved because it makes it a better process, the more people you have involved, it makes it more challenging and it makes you strive to be that much better."
Dilkens says the two new deputy chiefs are part of the bigger picture in replacing current Police Chief Al Frederick who is scheduled to retire in June 2019.
Deputy Chief Hill has a two year contract while Deputy Chief Mizuno has a six year contract.
Current Deputy Police Chief Vince Power will remain deputy chief for the time being.