UPDATE: New Ironton Police chief makes history in swearing-in ceremony

IRONTON, Ohio (WSAZ) – New Ironton Police Chief Pam Wagner made history Monday night as the first female chief in the city’s history.

Formerly Capt. Wagner with the Ironton Police Department, the new chief was born and raised in Lawrence County, Ohio, and has had decades of experience in law enforcement.

Wagner has worked with the Proctorville Police Department, the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office and with the Ironton Police Department for more than 20 years.

"We have the best police department around, I think,” Wagner said. “I’m so proud. My greatest assets are my men and women here at the police department. I'm just a little overwhelmed, but it's good for right now."

This isn't the first glass ceiling she's shattered. Wagner was also the first woman to be a captain at the Ironton Police Department.

IRONTON, Ohio (WSAZ) -- A police officer in Ironton will make history as the town's first female police chief.

Capt. Pam Wagner will be sworn in outside the Ironton Police Department Monday.

"That's not one of the first things I think about -- being female when I'm at work," Wagner said. "It's kind of a little bit overwhelming, to tell you the truth."

Wagner says she was born and raised in Lawrence County. She has decades of experience in law enforcement.

Before joining the force in Ironton, Wagner worked for the Proctorville Police Department and the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office.

She has been an officer with the Ironton Police Department for more than 20 years and became captain several years ago. Being a captain is one of the requirements for becoming chief.

The Civil Service Commission handles the process of picking a chief. Candidates go through testing and interviews to determine who is the most qualified.

"It's a very tedious process," Wagner said. "It's not a piece of cake. Nobody's handing it to ya."

This is not the first glass ceiling she has shattered. In addition to being the first female chief, Wagner was also the first woman to be a captain at the Ironton Police Department.

"For any young lady or any females that are out there, not only in police work or any field that they choose," Wagner said. "I was raised on a farm. We were very poor growing up. If you work hard, you can be and do anything you want to do. All you have to do is work hard."

Ironton Mayor Katrina Keith says she is excited to work alongside Wagner.

"It takes somebody strong and powerful to handle that and I think Pam Wagner will do a fine job," Keith said.

The two will share more than just the title of being a city leader. Keith is also Ironton's first female mayor.

"I'm excited though for future women," Keith said. "The girls that are behind us to say, 'You know what, if they can do it, I can do it as well.' "

Wagner says she hopes this will inspire young women and men to rise to the tops of their professions.

"Just work hard," Wagner said. "You can be and do anything you want to do."