The Woodland Police Department recognized its first-ever woman to achieve the rank of lieutenant in a special post for Women’s History Month. Lt. Victoria Danzl became the first woman in the department’s history to be named lieutenant in 2023, just over 100 years after women successfully fought for the right to vote.

“Starting in 1998, she (Danzl) entered a field where women held just 10% of sworn positions, and today, that number only remains at 12%,” the department’s post on Facebook reads. “As the first Lieutenant in the Woodland Police Department’s 150-year history, she takes pride in breaking barriers for women in law enforcement.”

Danzl knew from a young age she wanted to go into a career in law enforcement — when she was in second grade, to be exact. Danzl joined the United States Marine Corps as a Reservist after graduating from high school in 1992.

She then attended the Sacramento Police Academy, class of 98BR2 in the fall of 1998. Danzl began her law enforcement career in the California capital city with the Sacramento Police Department, then moving to Connecticut where she worked as professional staff for the Manchester Police Department for a year.

After returning to California, Danzl came to the Woodland Police Department in July 2001 and worked as a Patrol Officer until August of 2005. She then transferred to be a School Resource Officer in the city schools. In June of 2009, she returned to patrol and was appointed to Corporal in the Fall of 2009.

Danzl was promoted to Sergeant in February 2011, and in 2020, Danzl became the Community Relations Sergeant. As the Community Relations Sergeant, Lt. Danzl served as the Public Information Officer for the police department and was in charge of releasing information to media outlets and the general public.

She was promoted to her current position in 2023, and Danzl has continued to serve the city of Woodland in her role since.

“This … is so meaningful because we are marking a point in someone’s career when all of their hard work and dedication is paying off as they are assuming these new positions,” Former Woodland Police Chief Kaff said after the swearing-in ceremony for Danzl and Theresa Perez. “I’m so impressed by both of these individuals. They have strong work histories and have demonstrated success throughout their career, and I’m excited for what the future holds for them in the police department.”

On September 14, 2023, Danzl graduated from the 287th session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy offers ten weeks of advanced communication, leadership and fitness training.

Participants must have proven records as professionals within their agencies to attend. On average, these officers have 21 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.

“While at the FBI National Academy, I was given the opportunity to learn from instructors who are leading experts in their fields, along with gathering information from law enforcement executives all across the world,” Danzl said. “I hope to use this knowledge and connections to strengthen and grow the abilities and personnel of the Woodland Police Department. I am incredibly thankful to Chief Kaff and the Woodland Police Department for allowing me to participate in this program, and I am very happy to have completed it.”

Danzl mentioned she took five master’s level, leadership-based classes, and one fitness-level class during the 10-week academy.

“It was a lot of fun,” Danzl said. “I absolutely appreciate my family for holding things down here and understanding this was an important thing for me to do.”

The Women’s History Month Facebook post notes that Danzl is optimistic about the future of women in police work and hopes more young girls, like she once was, decide they want to pick up a badge and blue uniform.

“Her career has been a remarkable journey filled with challenges and opportunities to serve the community,” the department’s Facebook post reads. “She encourages more women to consider this path, as law enforcement offers a chance to face new challenges and connect with diverse individuals. Through her efforts, she aims to pave the way for future generations of women in this vital profession.”