Aquinnah is taking steps to shore up its police department after being understaffed for months. 

The select board on Thursday appointed Krystle Welch to be the newest police officer in town. Keeping the four-person force fully staffed has been a struggle for the Island’s smallest community, and the appointment was a move in the right direction, said police Chief Randhi Belain. 

“We're building the department back one step at a time,” said Chief Belain, who will be retiring from his position as police chief this fall. 

Ms. Welch, who is originally from southern New Jersey and previously worked as manager at Amazon, moved to Martha’s Vineyard two years ago. She worked with the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) as a purchasing supply manager before applying to become a police officer.

“I'm very grateful for this opportunity to help the community,” said Ms. Welch. “I'm really just excited to get started.”

The department worked with the select board and made the decision to appoint Ms. Welch after reviewing two other applications. 

According to Chief Belain, Ms. Welch’s appointment on Thursday makes her the first woman to serve in the department in more than 30 years.

Throughout the rest of the summer, Ms. Welch will work as a traffic officer and is expected to attend the Falmouth Police Academy for six months starting in October to undergo further training.

“I look forward to working with [Ms. Welch] and seeing you get through the academy and come on board full time,” said Chris Manning, an Aquinnah police officer and select board member.

The department has four positions: a chief, a sergeant and two patrol officers. 

On June 22 the department will be interviewing three more applicants to fill an open sergeant position, said Chief Belain.