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Changing of the Guard in Greensville SC

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There's a changing of the guard in the Greenville Police Chief's office, as one pioneer retires and another takes office.

Chief Willie Johnson spent his last full day on the job Friday.

Johnson has been on the police force for 37 years and rose through the ranks to become the city's first African-American chief.

Several events have been held over the past few weeks to honor Johnson's career and his service to the city. He received the Order of the Palmetto from Gov. Sanford earlier this week.

Johnson's successor, Terri Wilfong, is taking the reins as chief over the next few days.

She, too, is making history, as Greenville's first female police chief.

Wilfong said that she appreciates the history of the department, but is focusing on the future as well.

Wilfong's first official act of business was speaking to students at Alexander Elementary School as part of a women's history event.

Mignona Hall, 11, said she wants to be a judge when she grows up.

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"She (Wilfong) shows that a woman can do things in her life and accomplish many goals," Mignona said.

Wilfong said she doesn't dwell much on being a woman in a traditionally male job.

"When I was a young girl, my father was a Marine," Wilfong said. "Growing up, it wasn't 'you're a girl you can't do this.' It was always 'reach for the stars.' You can be anything that you want."