A SWAT commander in Colorado has become the first transgender woman accepted into the prestigious FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

In January, Summit County's Lesley Mumford was accepted into the rigorous three-month program, a combination of classroom work and arduous physical training, one of only 200 law enforcement agents chosen for the honor.

But when Sheriff Jaime FitzSimons called Mumford into his office to tell her, she initially thought she was in trouble. "I was quickly trying to recall anything that I might have done to get me in trouble," Mumford told Summit Daily. "I was at a loss, but it seemed like a very serious conversation was about to take place."

Instead, she learned she had been invited to partake in the exclusive 10-week program, which culminates in the "Yellow Brick Road," a 6.1-mile obstacle course littered with ropes, wall climbs, window jumps and other challenges.

Mumford transitioned on the job last year, and says the sheriff's office was nothing but supportive. "We were so proud to have her transition in the workplace," says Sheriff FitzSimons, who nominated Mumford for the academy. "But this is the next, huge, smash-the-ceiling moment. We're so proud of Lesley."

While the FBI is under attack by the Trump administration, Mumford says her selection is proof that society is evolving on trans issues. "It makes me feel that, as individuals, we do have the ability to change and influence the world around us."

"I don't know who the other 200-plus classmates will be and what their backgrounds and values are," adds Mumford, a 17-year veteran of law enforcement. "Hopefully, if there are any negative sentiments, I can challenge those simply by existing and performing and proving my capability and competence."