Ever since watching the television show "TJ Hooker" as a young girl, Chief Renee Dominguez knew she wanted to be a police officer.

"This has been her dream since age 7," says Shirley, Chief Dominguez's mom. "And she accomplished her dream." After 25 years of service at different departments across the state, including stints as interim police chief of New Haven and most recently deputy chief of Watertown, Dominguez is now the first female police chief in the town of Stratford's history.

"It's validation," Chief Dominguez says. "It's validation that I deserve to be in this seat."

Back in 2021, New Haven Mayor Justin Ellicker appointed her as the city's permanent police chief, but the New Haven Board of Alders rejected the appointment.

Karl Jacobsen was ultimately named as the city's permanent police chief. Jacobsen was recently accused of embezzling more than $80,000 from two funds connected to the New Haven Police Department.

He has pleaded not guilty.

"I am grateful for everything that New Haven has given to me and taught me because that is my home, and that's where I grew up," Chief Dominguez says. "I would not be here today without them."

Chief Dominguez's husband, a Newtown police officer, pinned the badge on her as their two daughters looked on.

"Ten percent of most departments, 20% maybe, are female," Chief Dominguez says. "So to be able to be one of, I think two now, current female chiefs in the state... it's amazing."

Stratford Mayor David Chess says the search for the town's new top cop started back in February.

Nine people were interviewed out of the 18 applicants, Chess says, but Dominguez was the unanimous choice of all members from the search committee.

"As she says: 'I'm a cop's cop," Chess says. "She loved doing the beat, she loves connecting to people. You can tell she connects well with people."

Friday night's ceremony was held in the Stratford High School auditorium.

Chief Dominguez says she's ready to get to work immediately.