NEW YORK - Mayor Bill de Blasio and Police Commissioner Dermot Shea Thursday named Juanita Holmes as the department’s first female chief of patrol.

"I am beyond proud and ecstatic for Juanita on a personal level, but also on a professional level to tell you now that Juanita will be the next and first woman chief of patrol for the New York City police department,” Shea said.

Holmes is currently the highest-ranking African American woman in NYPD history and highest ranking uniformed woman ever. In her new position, Chief Holmes will have direct leadership over more police officers than any other police force in the country. She comes to the role with thirty years of experience in the police department.

"She is ready and she has proven over the years that she's the right person for a crucial moment in our history," said de Blasio in his daily press briefing.

Holmes has 16 family members who currently serve in the police department, she said. Fourteen of them serve in the uniformed ranks, including her son, a brother, five sisters, two nieces and a nephew.

"You hear about blue families and police families, but then there is the Holmes family," said Shea. "It's kind of like the Brady Bunch. It's a completely different level."

He went on to remark on his long friendship with Holmes.

"I can tell you she has walked the walk and she talks the talk," Shea said. "She understands this city. She understands the importance of neighborhood policing. She also understands the importance of keeping people safe. I think she is the complete package."

Holmes thanked the police department, calling it her "chosen family."

"I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for so many of them that shared my vision," she said. "Equality, fairness, transparency has always been at the very heart of what I do and as chief of patrol this is how I will lead everyday."

In a statement, Police Benevolent Association President Patrick J. Lynch said: "Chief Holmes' entire family embodies the NYPD's proudest traditions, so she understands better than anybody how our work and traditions are being undermined and attacked. New York City police officers desperately need competent leaders like Chief Holmes who can effectively push back against the politicians, empower us to do our job and help us to stop this city's backward slide. That is the challenge facing Chief Holmes - we give her our support as she takes it on."

Holmes replaces Fausto Pichardo, who resigned earlier this month.

Commissioner Shea also announced a slew of promotions including Chief Edward Delatorre to Chief of Labor Relations, Assistant Chief Kim Royster to Chief of Transportation, Assistant Chief Kathleen O’Reilly to Chief of Transit, Deputy Chief Philip Rivera to Borough Commander of Manhattan North and Inspector Olufunmilola Obe to Commander of the School Safety Division.