DECATUR, Ala. (AP) — For the first time in Morgan County’s history the top law enforcement officer will be a woman.

Republican Ana Franklin was elected sheriff in Morgan County Tuesday, defeating Democrat Tom Little with 23,916 votes to her opponent’s 14,973.

The director of the Alabama Sheriff’s Association, Bobby Timmons, said Wednesday the only female sheriff currently serving in Alabama is Dorothy Jean “Dot” Alexander in Clay County. But Alexander lost in the Democratic Party primary and will leave office in January.

He said the only other female sheriff in Alabama in recent years was Diane Harris in Butler County, who lost a bid for re-election in 2006.

Franklin has worked in law enforcement in Morgan and Limestone counties.