Forty-one years ago Chief Connie Washington of the Department of Veterans Affairs became the first female police officer at her New Orleans-based agency.

“At the time the VA Police here in New Orleans consisted of 100% men,” she says. “I faced opposition, obstacles, struggles, and resentment from both my male counterparts and from the veterans in our community,” Washington says.

The resentment from fellow officers manifested in more than just comments or quiet contempt. Veteran officers refused to offer Washington help and advice. They were also slow to respond to her requests for assistance, she says. “Many times I felt defeated, but I had something to prove.”

Washington decided to go into law enforcement back in her college days. She was seeking a business degree when she started working at the Department of Veterans Affairs. After witnessing the work of the VA police officers, she decided to change her major to criminal justice. “After becoming aware of my studies, the chief of police approached me about joining the VA Police,” she says.

Looking back on her career, Washington says her favorite assignment was working an event called “Veterans Homeless Stand Down.” The event, presented by the Department of Veterans Affairs, brings together VA staff, police, and volunteers to provide services for homeless veterans, including medical care, housing, clothing, haircuts, supplies, and more. “I loved it because I had the opportunity to interact with veterans, listen to their stories, and build friendships. Having siblings that are veterans, being part of this event is heartfelt,” she says.

Now that Washington is coming to the end of her career and plans to soon retire, she’s proud that she rose through the ranks to become chief of her agency and hopes other women will follow her path. “I hope to have paved the way women in policing and in my agency that will come after me. I hope for the greater representation of women in law enforcement,” she says.