PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WVEC) -- The City of Portsmouth officially welcomes its new police chief.
Tonya Chapman took the oath of office Monday morning in city council chambers.
Chapman's experience includes serving as Richmond's deputy police chief, and working in the state's Department of Public Safety and Homeland Security.
She replaces Chief Ed Hargis, who left the department in June of last year.
But along with the swearing in, there came a protest.
The family of William Chapman -- the unarmed teen shot and killed by ex-cop Stephen Rankin last year -- held a demonstration at court. In a peaceful protest, the family demanded more accountability from the police department.
Chief Chapman -- not related to the William Chapman family -- said she will hold her officers to highest ethical standards.
During a reception following the swearing in ceremony the new police chief met with the Chapman family.
William Chapman's family meets Chief Chapman (no relation) @13NewsNow pic.twitter.com/H8xGZ8TAp3
— Eric Kane 13News (@13EricKane) February 22, 2016
Monday's swearing was historic for the City of Portsmouth. Chief Chapman became the first black woman to be appointed chief of police in Portsmouth, and in a city that's predominantly African American, the chief says it's crucial the department reflects the community they serve.
"You know, to just be a role mode for all the police department, all the police officers is always been significant to me," she said. "But you know, the police department should be reflective of the community as much as they can be."
Chief Chapman: "As I have been advised again and again, I have a difficult task ahead of me. I assure you -- I'm up to the challenge."
Chief Chapman: "As I have been advised again and again, I have a difficult task ahead of me. I assure you -- I'm up to the challenge."
— Eric Kane 13News (@13EricKane) February 22, 2016