One-on-one with the new Yuma police chief Susan Smith

The City of Yuma made history this year as the new Yuma Police Chief, Susan Smith was sworn into the department this week.

Chief Smith was appointed not only as the 14th Chief of Police in Yuma but also the first female as well. Smith says regardless of gender she’s here to serve, “I just want to do the best job possible as chief, not a female chief, regardless of gender.”

It’s been a journey to the top for the new chief, it’s a career path she didn’t expect. Chief Smith, originally from Northern California, moved to Yuma during the summer of 1989 for the Marine Corps Air Station Yuma. After a few years of being in dispatch, she decided to take the leap. Smith says, “I just really had the desire to be on the other side of the radio to go to the calls for service, to go help the people that were calling in and to try to make a difference in the community.”

Along with raising 2 kids, Chief Smith completed her education career and eventually became a Yuma police officer in 1992. She says she’s grateful for her mentors; former Chief Robby, former Chief John Leekan, and Sergeant Cindy Anderson that helped her along the way.

After Chief Smith was sworn in during this week’s City Council meeting in Yuma she presented a special message for the community. “I’m gonna do the best job that I have in my power to do, I’m gonna be fair and impartial and I hope not to let anyone down.”

If you’d like to know a fun fact about the Chief, you can find that video here.