A retired, history-making Gainesville policewoman has died.
The police department announced Jane Nichols’ death in a Facebook post Saturday, paying tribute to the former Deputy Chief.
GPD FACEBOOK POST:
“…Jane joined the Gainesville Police Department on February 22, 1982. She became the department’s first female motor officer and later served in the Criminal Investigation Division in 1988.
She was promoted to various ranks throughout her career, including Sergeant in February 1992, Lieutenant in May 1996, Captain in 1998, and Deputy Chief in 2007. She also served as the Interim Chief starting January 1, 2010, until her retirement on March 17, 2010. Chief Nichols made GPD history as the first female officer to hold the ranks of Captain, Deputy Chief, and Interim Chief.
Jane said the following about her appointment to interim chief:
“It was with great humility and tremendous pride that after almost 28 years in the department, I took the reins of this agency on New Year’s Day, 2010, following the retirement of Chief Frank Hooper. I’m privileged to serve alongside the men and women of the Gainesville Police Department. We’ve dedicated our professional lives to public safety and we’re proud to be Gainesville Police Officers.”