LAFAYETTE PARISH, La. (KLFY)-- It took less than four minutes for the Lafayette Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board to accept police chief Judith Estorge's resignation. 

On Wednesday, the board's special meeting was held inside the civil service testing room at the Lafayette Consolidated Government.

First, the board addressed the chief's resignation. Following that, the board voted on the demotion to the permanent rank of captain. 

"Demotion to permanent status of Captain, which was previously held by the employee, to occur concurrently on May 28, 2024, at 9 a.m.," board member Ron Clark said.

A former chief of police sits on the board. Wayne Prejean acknowledged the chief's resignation as a volunteer.

"I was glad she was here to say it was voluntary because on her part she wants to step down. There's a lot of pressure on a chief. I was one years ago. If that's what her wishes are, you know, we granted her wish," Prejean said.

Estorge is the LPD's first female chief.  News 10 asked Prejean, "You said thank you for your service?" Prejean replied, "Yes, very much so."

Estorge chose not to issue a comment when given the opportunity by the board. The interim chief is Captain Paul Touard. 

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