By AVA RONNING , Skagit Valley Herald, Mount Vernon, Wash. The Tribune Content Agency

MOUNT VERNON - Chantel Vandyk became Thursday the first female sergeant in the history of the Mount Vernon Police Department.

Vandyk has been with the department for 21 years, during which time she served in the patrol division as a patrol officer, lead officer and field training officer.

Vandyk said during her swearing in ceremony Thursday that she feel her years of work have prepared her for this new title, and she is ready for the additional responsibilities.

"It's a huge honor to be the first female sergeant ... (I'm looking forward to) getting a new injection of excitement into the job," she said.

Also at the Thursday ceremony, Mount Vernon Police Chief Dan Christman honored Vandyk and the women who paved the way for her success, including officers Laura Sackman, Gale Lee, Brittany Amenday and Deb Ridgeway.

Skagit County Clerk and Mount Vernon City Councilmember Melissa Beaton administered the oath.

The ceremony included family, friends and community members.

"Like her contemporaries, her strength goes well beyond her physical capabilities. As a lead police officer, she's faced the best and worst of humanity, often on the same day. She shows empathy and compassion that has a lasting impact on the people she meets," Christman told the group.

Vandyk is a lifelong resident of Whatcom County.

She is a graduate of Mount Baker High School in Deming and Washington State University. After earning her degree in animal science, she worked 10 years at a 1,000-cow dairy farm.

Vandyk and spouse Theresa have a daughter named Lila. She and her family run an animal rescue and a hobby farm.