Harris County Sheriff's Office names first Hispanic woman to senior command staff

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- For the first time ever, a Hispanic woman holds a position on the Harris County Sheriff's Office senior command staff.

Harris County Sheriff Ron Hickman promoted Capt. Virginia Cavazos-Russell to the rank of major. Cavazos-Russell joined the sheriff's office in 1990 and was also the first Hispanic woman to hold the rank of captain in the Criminal Investigation's Bureau, where she oversaw the elite Criminal Warrants Division.

Hickman also promoted Lt. John Nanny to captain and Sgt. Margie Ratterman to lieutenant.

"The appointments come as a result of Sheriff Hickman's dedication to identify future leaders of the Sheriff's Office who possess the experience and expertise necessary to command the largest Sheriff's office in Texas," the Harris County Sheriff's Office wrote in a prepared statement.