Colt Andrews fourth grader Isabella Crouse’s winning essay landed her a pretty important job — if only for a day.

“If I was the Police Chief for a day then the first thing that I would do is drive around in the police car to see if everybody is safe or if they need help because being the Police Chief means helping others and making sure people are safe and happy,” she wrote.

Happiness was a key theme. Isabella’s hypothetical day included helping people cross the street, going to the library and reading books to kids, visiting the schools, bringing puzzle books to seniors and finally, buying donuts for the police officers. “As Police Chief it is my job to make them happy and to cheer them up,” she wrote. “So that's what I would do if I was the Police Chief.”

On Thursday, May 15, accompanied by Chief Lynch, her mother Kate, and others, her day as chief looked a lot like that.

It began with Town Clerk Melissa Cordeiro administering the oath of office in front of Isabella’s classmates, teachers, and town and police officials. Wearing a BPD logo polo given to her by Chief Lynch, Isabella read her essay at Town Hall before taking a tour of town departments including Parks and Recreation, DPW, the fire department and the police station.

She enjoyed her specified lunch at the BHOP before heading to Franklin Court to meet the residents and partake in some conversation and games with Director Diane Mederos and others there.

Finally, before her return to Town Hall, they stopped at Dunkin Donuts to get those donuts.

“Whenever they called my name for Chief of Police I was extremely surprised because winning hadn’t even crossed my mind,” said Isabella. “My day being Chief of Police was really fun and out of everything getting to see Brody was my favorite. I wish I could have (brought) my friends with me because to me they deserve the world.”

“It was an incredible experience to participate in this with Bella and I could not be more proud of her,” said Kate Crouse, Isabella’s mother. “She had such a magical day and everyone made it so special for her and I’m grateful she got to experience it.”