The Logan Township Police Department hired their first female officer on Monday, and other local police departments were excited about the new addition.

Nicole Gripp is the first female police officer to serve Logan Township in department history. Chief David Reese said he looks forward to seeing her growth on the force.

“Officer Gripp is a Blair County native, and I believe she wants to dive in and engage with her community. I’m very happy. She has a very good attitude, and I think she’ll make a fine police officer,” Chief Reese said.

Other departments in Blair County said they were pleased to hear the news. Blair County Sheriff James Ott said adding a female officer allows the department to respond better in many situations.

“Being that this is their first female officer, and their only female officer for their agency, I would think that this is going to be good for the times when there are conditions when you absolutely need to have a female present to be able to help with an investigation or with an incident,” Sheriff Ott said.

Other agencies in the area were excited about this hire as well.

Chief Ronald Sharkey with Greenfield Township Police Department said he thinks this is a very positive move for the community.

Sergeant Matt Plummer from Altoona Police Department said a female officer is a great asset to any department.

Officer Gripp will begin a 60 day training program in the near future.