First female Colorado Springs police patrol officer sworn in 56 years ago August 3

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- More than 50 years ago, the Colorado Springs Police Department swore in its first uniformed, female patrol officer.

According to the department, Charlotte Mahan was sworn in on August 3, 1966, 56 years ago.

Mahan would go on to hold the rank of sergeant and lieutenant and retired as a captain in 1989. She was a trailblazer for the department and her legacy continues to this day

CSPD now has women serving all across the department in all ranks, from officers to Deputy Chief.

The department says they are thankful for Captain Mahan and the path she created for women in the Colorado Springs Police Department.