AUSTIN, Texas — The city of Austin, Texas, now has it’s first openly transgender police officer.

KXAN-TV reports that officer Greg Abbink has been on the police force for ten years, but it wasn’t until this year that he says he began transitioning.

“So, for about 10 years, the folks here in this department that know me have known me as Emily,” said Abbink. “I’m Greg now.”

Abbink said he hopes his story will inspire others: “I had to do this to be the best person that I can be, so that I can serve the public — the city of Austin — to the best of my ability.”

KXAN reports: