For a local public servant, Saturday was one for the books. St. Paul Police Sgt. Jessica Stiffarm was promoted to Sgt. Maj. in the National Guard. 

"To be honest, it's kind of a surreal moment," Stiffarm said. "I never imagined that, one, I'd have 22 years of service in the Minnesota National Guard or be a police officer of 13 years, either. But I can't imagine doing anything different." 

Last year, WCCO reported on Stiffarm's promotion to sergeant within the St. Paul Police Department, being the second indigenous female sergeant in the department's history.

"For me, what drives me is people. Service to people," said Stiffarm. "At 17, I knew I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself."

Being a trailblazer isn't easy, but she didn't let that stop her.

"I guess what I'd tell my 17-year-old self, 'Whatever you want to do is possible through hard work and dedication,'" she said.

Her new title is a reflection of that dedication. Stiffarm was awarded the role in the building she was first deployed out of when she was 20 years old.

"Literally until today, that's the last time I was in this building for some type of ceremony for myself or promotion, so it's pretty cool," said Stiffarm.

Stiffarm urges the next generation to find a mentor and grab onto everything they teach.