An historic moment for the Miami-Dade Police Department. Officer Lourdes Hernandez became the first female officer to graduate from the department's Special Response Team basic course.
Hernandez, 39, is now officially a member of an elite team of law officers who are specially trained for high-risk situations. She's the first female officer to graduate from the course since its inception in 1994, and it was no easy feat.
Hernandez was spared no mercy, as she and her male counterparts endured five grueling weeks of physical and mental training.
Out of 20 recruits, only 13 would make it through. Hernandez not only survived the rigorous course, she outperformed her male comrades, breaking down any obstacle that stood in her way.
"Just knowing how hard I trained for this, I wasn't going to allow anybody to take it from me in one moment of grief or weakness," Hernandez said.
Her accomplishments highlight women continuing to be trailblazers in a profession dominated by men.
"It's a good thing for our country whenever women are allowed the same opportunities as men in any profession," said J.D. Patterson, Director of MDPD.
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The best of the best, standing strong and courageous united together, regardless of gender.
Her advice to others is, "You can't do anything partial. You really have to give it 100 percent."
Hernandez will now return to her regular position in the specialized unit at the department, and if she chooses, she'll apply to become a member of SRT, once there is a position available.
