Fairhope’s Interim Police Chief Stephanie Hollinghead will continue to serve as the city’s police chief after the Fairhope Council unanimously appointed her permanently to the position at its Dec. 20 meeting.

Hollinghead is the first woman to serve as police chief for the city.

She was appointed interim chief in August for a potential six month term and was unanimously picked for the position from a pool of four internal candidates interviewed for the position by the council.

Hollinghead replaced longtime Fairhope Police Chief Joseph Petties, who left his position on Aug. 10.

Hollinghead’s starting salary will be $87,250.

Hollinghead thanked the council for their support in naming her to the position.

“This has been an amazing four months for me with some challenges,” Hollinghead said. “I thank you for putting your faith and trust in me to run the police department.”