DPS announces first female Texas Ranger lieutenant

AUSTIN, Texas – Texas Ranger Wende Wakeman was promoted to the rank of lieutenant Thursday, according to a press release from the Texas Department of Public Safety.

The promotion makes Wakeman the highest ranking female in Texas Ranger history.

"Texas Ranger Wende Wakeman's promotion is the direct result of her exemplary service and unwavering commitment to protecting Texans and upholding the department's core values of integrity, excellence, accountability and teamwork," said DPS Director Steven McCraw, in a statement. "I am confident she will continue to serve the department well in this new leadership position."

Wakeman has been with the department since 1998 where she first served as a Texas Highway Patrol trooper and then as a narcotics sergeant in 2003. She joined the Texas Rangers stationed in Conroe, Texas in 2008.

"I am thankful for the trust and confidence placed in me by DPS, and I am honored to serve in the Texas Rangers, which have such a rich history within the state and the entire law enforcement profession," said Wakeman, in a statement. "I look forward to the new opportunities and challenges ahead."

Wakeman's historic promotion is effective Aug 1. She will be stationed in Laredo.