Albany County in Wyoming has elected Aaron Appelhans as sheriff, making him the first Black person in this role.

According to CNN, the 39-year-old is taking charge of the office with two pending lawsuits after a deputy shot and killed Robert “Robbie” Ramirez in 2018. 

One of the lawsuits was filed by Ramirez’s mother and seeks at least $75,000. 

Applehans faces the challenge of changing the way citizens view Albany County and relations with police. 

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Wyoming’s white population is 92.5%, while the Black population is just 1.3%. 

The new sheriff told WBUR that he is watching the Derek Chauvin trial closely and said he understands both sides of the conflict between Black Lives Matter protesters and law enforcement. 

RELATED: Derek Chauvin trial live updates: One alternate needed, opening arguments set for March 29

In this new role, he says he plans to start recruiting underrepresented groups, including women and people of color. 

He also plans on investing in additional body camera equipment and training for officers in crisis intervention, de-escalation, and bias-informed investigations.