Crowds packed the California African American Museum Friday night to honor an army veteran, longtime cop, mother and grandmother.
The Los Angeles Police Department gathered to celebrate Regina Scott, the first African-American woman to achieve the rank of Deputy Chief.
"This promotion is more than just me, it is for those who paved the road before me, and those who dare to dream big," she said. "I am ready to help build trust and help bridge the gap between the police and communities we serve."
People hugged Scott in celebration of her achievement, shared words of admiration and took pictures with her.
"We've known her. We've loved her. It was time," said Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti.
A New Jersey native, Scott started her career of service going to the U.S. Army after highschool. She joined LAPD in July 1987 and worked as the Commander Officer of Information Technology Bureau.
With her new promotion, she will take the Command of Operations-Central Bureau which oversees over 900,000 residents. The Central Bureau's population is the most ethnically and culturally diverse in Los Angeles.
News
Top news of the day
"We have a right to be concerned. Before I became a cop I was a Black woman and a mother," Scott shared with the public gathered at her celebration, "I will always have that, and I will never forget where I came from."
Elizabeth Campos contributed to this story.
