ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The community is reacting to the naming of an interim Chief of the Rochester Police Department.

Saturday, Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren announced Cynthia Herriott-Sullivan as the new interim police chief following the retirement of previous Police Chief La’Ron Singletary.

“I think Mayor Warren has made an excellent decision in her appointment of Sister Cynthia Herriott-Sullivan as our interim chief of police," said Rev. James C. Simmons of Baber A.M.E. Church.

The first woman to ever lead Rochester’s police department is not shy to point out her faith and her church.

During the new conference on Saturday, Herriott-Sullivan thanked Pastor Rev. Simmons and the Baber Church family for their support.

“They’ve given me a lot of prayer and guidance when I needed it," said Herriott-Sullivan.

The next top cop is well respected by her reverend and church community.

“She is an active member here at Baber African Methodist Episcopal Church. Every Sunday she’s in row number four, present, active attentive and in service…we are elated at her appointment as the interim chief," said Simmons.  

However, the news doesn’t have everyone elated. Leaders of Free the People ROC hold a different sentiment on the appointment.

“She’s a black woman and we’re always here for black women being elevated, but the problem is systematic and structural,” said Ashley Gantt of Free the People ROC. “We’re talking about a culture of police that just putting a black woman in that place won’t fix.”

“Having a new interim chief does not address a cover up, a murder. It doesn’t address what’s actually going on in the streets. It doesn’t address the systemic and institutional racism that police officers continue to perpetuate. So we feel it just doesn’t go far enough. It’s not one of the demands we’re asking for," said Free the People ROC's Stanley Martin.

“It’s no secret that this moment is a challenging moment for our community and I’m appreciative that we do have someone who has relationships on both sides, that listens to both sides," said Rev. Simmons.

Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter worked with the new interim chief for many years during Herriott-Sullivan’s tenure with the police department.   

“I reached out to the new leadership, if you will, and let them know that we’re willing to support. The sheriff’s office is willing to support in any way we can... the business of policing during your transition, we’re here to support and we always will be," said Sheriff Baxter.

Reverend James C. Simmons has faith that Cynthia Herriott-Sullivan is up for the challenge.

“And in the midst of everything that’s going on in this moment, I’m appreciative that the mayor found the epitome of a strong woman and put her in this leadership role," said Rev. Simmons. “I think her faith will sustain her and help her tremendously in this moment.”