YOUNGSTOWN The City of Youngstown welcomed two new city officials alongside Mayor Derrick McDowell on Thursday, marking the first time in the city's history to have women in both the police and fire chief roles.

Sharon Cole, Youngstown's new police chief, and Courtney Kelly, the city's new fire chief, both shared the stage with McDowell during the Jan. 1 ceremony at East High School. 

"We'll continue to do what we've been doing to combat crime and take care of the community," Cole said.

Cole, who's been with the police department for 25 years, wasn't focused on the fact that both roles were being filled by women for the first time in Youngstown. 

"It doesn't matter the gender, what color," she said. "As long as you can do the job, as long as you have the qualifications to do the job fairly and treat people decently."

Kelly, who has served on the fire department for almost 20 years, is hopeful about working toward rebuilding the relationship between the city and the fire union after years of tension and distrust. Ohio's State Employment Relations Board ruled in favor of the firefighters' union against the city after an unfair labor practice charge filed in October 2024.

"I just want the communication to be open both ways and receptive to hearing, you know, fresh ideas on how we can bridge this gap," Kelly said.

As far as the relationship between the community and the department, Kelly expressed that there are plans to get involved.

"I am super excited to help facilitate this transition and to be involved with the community, to have the fire department involved and do what we can," she said.

Kelly is also a fire instructor at Choffin Career and Technical Center.

The women are filling the roles of former Police Chief Carl Davis and former Fire Chief Barry Finley.