Altoona’s first female police chief, Janice Freehling, is retiring as of today after serving in law enforcement for the past 44 years. As for her immediate plans, Freehling says she simply wants to relax and enjoy it. She adds that plans include remodeling her kitchen, and traveling to Colorado, Arizona and Texas… but none of that until after her first stop… the beach. Freehling entered law enforcement in 1977. She grew up in Hollidaysburg, and when she went to college, she majored in criminology. Altoona Police Deputy Chief Joe Merrill will take over now, as the city begins the search for a new police chief.