A citation ceremony was held at Nassau Police Headquarters in Mineola Thursday to recognize departmental promotions within the ranks.

Among them were Keechant Sewell, a 22-year veteran on the force who was promoted from assistant chief to chief of detectives. She is the first African American woman to hold that position.

"It makes me feel wonderful as an officer, and I think the word I keep going back to is humbling," she told News 12.

Chief Sewell says she worked her way through the ranks in many different areas of the department. She worked with the Narcotics Vice Squad, ran the Major Case Bureau and has been a hostage negotiator throughout most of her career. Sewell comes from a family of service – her grandfather was a city police officer.

Chief Sewell says she hopes her promotion might send a message to young women that there is nothing they can't do or achieve in their careers.

"There's no ceiling we can't shatter. There's no door we can't kick open. I truly believe that if seeing what I've been able to accomplish translates to inspiration for anyone else, then that's all I could ever ask for," she said.

More than 60 officers were also promoted. A ceremony acknowledging them was delayed due to COVID-19 and will be held at a later date.