Former Portland Police Chief Penny Harrington has passed away.

Harrington was the first female detective, sergeant, lieutenant and captain at the Portland Police Bureau, according to Portland Police Chief Chuck Lovell.

Harrington was not only PPB's first female police chief, she was the first female chief of a major police agency in the U.S.

“Penny influenced women across the country while she was Chief and later throughout her career. We extend our sympathy to her family and friends during this difficult time,” wrote Chief Lovell