There’s a new leader of law enforcement in Hinckley.

Kim Everhart, 47, is only a few weeks into her new post after being promoted from lieutenant. She’s also the second woman to be a police chief in DeKalb County, after Berna Popenhagen, who retired as Kingston’s police chief in 2009.

Daily Chronicle reporter Adam Poulisse took a few minutes to talk to Everhart about her new position.

Poulisse: Where are you from?

Everhart: I grew up in Somonauk and I went to college at Waubonsee College, (then) earned my bachelor’s at the University of Phoenix.

Poulisse: What’s your background?

Everhart: I started out in Genoa in 1998, then I went out to DeKalb County (Sheriff’s Office). I was in Cortland until two years ago, when I was hired (in Hinckley) as lieutenant.

Poulisse: What are some major situations you’ve come across in Hinckley?

Everhart: We’re pretty quiet, but we’ve had quite a few bar fights where they ended up with aggravated batteries. A lot of crashes (as well). When I was lieutenant, I had two fatal crashes within six hours. That was just a couple months ago.

Poulisse: How does it feel to be police chief?

Everhart: It’s good and bad. It’s bad because it’s overwhelming at times, but that’s just because I’m getting used to the position.

Poulisse: You’re the first female police chief in Hinckley. How does that feel?

Everhart: It’s good (because) it’s a great achievement. When I started my law enforcement career ... I didn’t have the goal to be chief of police. As I went through the years and earned different ranks, it became a goal of mine.