FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Chief Gina V. Hawkins is slated to retire from the Fayetteville Police Department at the end of the month.

Hawkins has served in the role since 2017.

"Often in my past, I was not as welcomed and supported. But coming here to Fayetteville was a community of love truly, and a lot of people doing a lot of good work," Hawkins said.

Hawkins says she is proud of her team and the way they got involved in the community. 

“Truly watching the community grow," Chief Hawkins remarked. "How much more they're engaged with the police department, how much more we're engaged with them, how much more they're more educated about public safety and what they do. That’s so inspiring and I think that’s why I love what I do.”

Hawkins also served as a role model to other young women who may one day work in law enforcement. 

“I see it more often, little girls in costumes dressed up as police officers. I see it as a matter of fact, girls telling their fathers, 'I want to be an officer.' Because they when they able to see it, they're able to know that they too. Representation matters," she said.

When the public speaks of her in the years to come, Hawkins hopes they'll remember her love of the community. 

“It’s not just someone stopping a car and making an arrest or giving a ticket," Hawkins said. "It is truly a business of caring and loving individuals that serve our community.“

Hawkins says she wants to stay in the profession of public safety, but she’s not sure of her next move is just yet. 

On Feb. 1, the current assistant chief of police, Kemberle Braden, will become chief. He has been with the department since 1996.