Over half of the police force along with several officials in Parma, Missouri resigned after the small town elected its first African-American female mayor last week.

Tyrus Byrd, a 40-year-old former city clerk, was officially sworn in as mayor on Tuesday, April 14 at the Parma Community Building, reports WTSP.

In a 122-84 vote, Byrd won the election by just 38 votes, beating longtime incumbent Randall Ramsey, who had served as mayor of Parma for 37 years under two terms, according to the New York Daily News.

However, upon her victory, Ramsey announced that five of the city's six police officers submitted their resignation due to "safety concerns." In addition, Parma's city attorney, clerk and water treatment supervisor resigned from their positions as well.

Some residents in the small town, which is made up of a little over 700 people according to a 2010 census, say they are not very concerned about safety in light of the small police unit.

"I think it's pretty dirty they all quit without giving her a chance," resident Martha Miller told CBS affliate KFVS. "But I don't think they hurt the town any by quitting, because who needs six police for 740 people."

Following her swearing in ceremony, Byrd said that she is looking forward to getting things in order as the new mayor. She also said her first order of business will be to help clean up the city.

In addition to serving as city clerk, Byrd was born and raised in Parma. She also practices missionary work.

According to a 2010 census, nearly 68 percent of the city residents are white, while 29.4 are African American. Less than 1 percent said that they were Native American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. Meanwhile, the survey shows that almost 3 percent of the population identify as being Hispanic or Latino.