The West Valley City Council has ratified the appointment of the only current female police chief in the state.
Colleen Jacobs' hiring comes after a three-month nationwide recruiting process that included 10 candidates.
The Utah native says it's an honor and a privilege to be part of an increasing trend of women in law enforcement.
The Salt Lake Tribune reports she cleared the final hurdle with the council's formal ratification Tuesday night. She has been in the department's top spot since Police Chief Lee Russo retired on Sept. 8 from the second largest police force in the state.
Jacobs has spent her entire 21-career with West Valley City police, serving in roles ranging from patrol officer to deputy chief.
She attended Tooele High School before graduating from Weber State University with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice.
