Sara Cunningham named first female police chief in Sudbury, Ont.

The Greater Sudbury Police Service has a new chief, asSara Cunningham becomesthe first woman to be named to the role with the northern Ontario force. She's moving up from her post as a deputy chief.

"Deputy Chief Cunningham's 26 years with the service has made her well equipped to assume this position," said Police Services Board chairAl Sizerin a news release.

"She has served with pride, distinctionandexcellence, and brings vast experience to the role. I am very pleased to have her serveas our next chief."

The board says Cunningham is an engaging and forward-thinking leader, and has served as both the operations and administrative deputy chief over the past threeyears.

This profession is getting tougher and tougher by the day, and so I really want to focus on member well-being, all so our officers are serving the publicin the best possible way that they can.- Sara Cunningham, Sudbury's new police chief

Having grown up in Sudburyand being a career policeofficer in the city, she admitsbeing named to the top job is a thrill.

"You know, when I started out at the age of 21, I didn't think that some day I'd be the chief of police, but for me this has been a life-long dream. To be in this role, and in public service, and giving back to the community I live in, that I raised my family in, it feels really really good."

Cunningham feels being the first female police chief in Sudbury isa big deal.

"It is. It is because I'm a mom of three daughters and for any young woman out there, or the women here at GSPS, I hope that they can see themselves in me at some point. I hope that I can be kind of a role model to future female leaders."

When asked about her priorities, Cunningham said tackling the homelessness and addiction crisis as a community will be a huge one, along with securing a new and larger policeheadquarters building. She also said police officer wellness will be a big piece of her leadership.

"Another priority for me is our people. This profession is getting tougher and tougher by the day, and so I really want to focus on member well-being, all so our officers are serving the publicin the best possible way that they can."

Cunningham also saidshe will work to advance innovative policing practices, such as body-worn cameras, and the latest technology with a view to effectively and efficiently deploying resources.

In her most recent assignment, Cunningham directedthe divisions of human resources and professional development, finance, communication and information technology, and information management.