NEW VIENNA — The Village of New Vienna mayor and council made history Feb. 1, appointing Darnell Pate Jr. as the chief of police.

He is the first African American to be promoted to the rank of police chief of the village, according to a news release from the village.

Pate has continued to share his dedication to the community in which he serves and prides himself as a dedicated community partner with the village council and the staff he oversees.

Chief Pate along with four other officers will have an official swearing-in ceremony at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5 at the Clinton-Highland Joint Fire District firehouse at 676 West St., New Vienna.