Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard announced the appointments of two new deputy commissioners Tuesday.

The commissioners are Ernest Morales III, a veteran of the NYPD, as deputy police commissioner, and Jennifer Lackard, a civilian, as the deputy commissioner of special initiatives.

Morales III is the first Latino commissioner in the city's history, and Lackard is the first Black woman to serve in the role.

Both commissioners say they hope to create ways to help reimagine policing for the 21st century and improve relations within the community.

Morales III says his goal is to make his mark on the department by focusing on improving community relations.

Lackard says she’ll be in part addressing mental health issues in policing and overseeing the civilian review board, which oversees police conduct.