Windsor police have two new deputies, and for the first time, one of them is a woman.

Superintendent Pam Mizuno and Inspector Brad Hill will take on the roles of deputy chiefs, replacing Rick Derus who retired in December and Vince Power who is retiring later this year.

Mayor Drew Dilkens is thrilled to be able to welcome a woman to a top role in the city’s police department.

“Deputy chief Mizuno should take pride in being the first superintendent with the service and now the first deputy chief with the service as well,” said Dilkens.

But the mayor added Mizuno isn’t getting the job because she is a woman.

“It didn't matter, the sex, the colour, the creed,” said Dilkens. “What we were looking for was the best possible candidate and we think we have the best possible candidates.”

Mizuno is a 24-year veteran of the force, who will be in charge of operational support. Hill brings 37 years of experience to the role of deputy chief of operations.

Both new deputies say the challenges facing Windsor police include the opioid crisis, the legalization of marijuana as well as taking over policing in Amhertsburg in January. But both Mizuno and Hill say they look forward to the challenge.

“This has been a huge opportunity for me,” said Hill. “Its certainly something I did not anticipate happening and the opportunity became available and I'm esctatic to take part.”

Mizuno admitted being a deputy chief is not what she thought about when starting her policing career.

“I was very excited about being a patrol officer, I loved patrol and I loved working the streets,” said Mizuno. “When I first started, No, I didn't see this in my future. It’s an exciting opportunity for me.”

A swearing-in ceremony for the new deputy chiefs will be held on Wednesday afternoon at police headquarters with the Honourable Justice Douglas Phillips presiding.

Chief Al Frederick was supposed to retire this year, but he has changed his mind and is staying with the force until June of 2019

The mayor says they have not started the recruitment process for a new chief.