Jefferson County Sheriff-Elect Zena Stephens won a historic election on Tuesday.
She became the first African-American and female to hold the office of sheriff in Jefferson County.
“Thank you for trusting and having confidence to give me this position,” Stephens said.
An honor she credits to the sacrifice of her family, friends, campaign workers and voters.
She said she’s learned a lot from current sheriff, Mitch Woods. She served under him for 17 years and said he has done a great job keeping the county safe.
But as the new sheriff in town, she wants to make her own mark on the county, possibly changing the way deputies train.
“My law enforcement background with the sheriff's office will help me manage issues that go in on the sheriff's office,” Stephens said.
But the race may not be over because her opponent Ray Beck is contesting the election.