Erin Commerford is the new Bow Police Department chief – and the first woman to take on the role in the history of the town.

Commerford, 37, who is successor to former Police Chief Jeff Jaran, was officially sworn in by Town Clerk Jill Hadaway during a Tuesday, May 27, ceremony with selectmen and fellow officers on hand.

Jaran left the department in early May to become police chief of Provincetown, Mass. Town Manager Jim Pitts said the search for his replacement never left 50 Robinson Road.

“We interviewed two internal candidates, because it was my intent to see if we felt we could fill it. We agreed both candidates would make a good chief,” Pitts said. “We spent about an hour debating the strong and not strong points on both candidates. I mulled it over, met with both candidates and made the decision.”

Pitts declined to say who the other candidate was. Commerford has been with the Bow Police Department since 2002, serving as a patrol and school resource officer, and most recently as sergeant.

The new chief said her familiarity with the department will help ease the transition into her new role.

“I’ll be taking over with the core group. There’s a solid, strong number of people,” she said. “I think the continuity is extremely important. There will be a lot of stability, and that will be helpful for the personnel, community members and other agencies in town.”

According to Pitts, Commerford is the first female police chief in the town’s history, something she takes pride in.

“Of course that means a lot to me. It’s twofold. First, on a professional level for me, and second because of my family. It’s an accomplishment for them as well.”

The town formed an interview board that met at length with both internal candidates and, Pitts said, one of the factors in the decision dealt with longevity.

“It was clear she had the skills and experience, and the panel concluded she showed very strong leadership as well, which we were truly looking for,” Pitts said. “She stated an intent to remain in Bow serving as the chief of police most likely for her whole career.”

After she was sworn in, Commerford was presented with her chief’s badge by her husband, Michael, who is a New Hampshire State Trooper. The Commerfords currently live in Pittsfield, but are looking for a home in Bow, said Pitts.

As chief, Commerford will earn an annual salary of $60,091. At the time of his departure from Bow, Jaran was earning $73,100. Only minutes after being sworn in on May 27, Commerford was put to work.

“I’ll give you five minutes to socialize,” Pitts said with a smile after the ceremony. “Then we’ve got a budget to discuss.”