Texas Department of Public Safety promotes Wakeman to major, first woman in organization history to hold position

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announced the promotion of Texas Ranger Captain Wende O. Wakeman to the rank of major, giving Wakeman the distinction of being the first female Texas Ranger in the state law enforcement agency’s 200-year history, according to a press release.

“Major Wende Wakeman’s years of hard work, her tremendous strength of character and her unwavering determination have all led her to this moment,” DPS Director Steven McGraw said. “I cannot think of someone more deserving, nor can I think of a better role model for so many to be able to follow as she continues to pave the way.”

Wakeman has been in her new position – major of Texas Ranger Company “F” based in Waco – since Sept. 1, according to the release. Twenty-seven Rangers and three lieutenants in a region that stretches from south of Dallas to south of San Antonio are under Wakeman’s watch.

Wakeman, who joined DPS in 1998, said in the release that her promotion is “an unbelievable honor.”

“This moment in Ranger history is only possible because of the dedication and the sacrifice of so many that have come before, along with the incredible strides made by this organization over the years,” she said, per the organization. “I will strive to do my very best to represent the men and women of this department every day.”

The release said that Wakeman holds a bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University (SHSU) and is a graduate of the National Forensics Academy, the International Association of Chiefs of Police Women’s Leadership Institute and the DPS Command College.