COLUMBUS--Colonel Richard Fambro says he never imagined this day would come when he joined the patrol as a cadet dispatcher in Lancaster in 1989. 

Now, the 29-year-veteran is the first African American to be promoted to the Highway Patrol's highest rank, the 19^th Superintendent in the state's history. 

The Powell native says looking out into the audience and seeing his comrades, friends and family is an experience he'll carry with him for years to come.

“That support, not just for me, but support for the highway patrol and support for law enforcement in general, that's a picture that will forever be etched in my mind,” says Col. Fambro. 

It was a similar path for Lieutenant Colonel Gaskill, who also began her patrol career in 1989 as a cadet dispatcher in New Philadelphia. 

In addition, her travels have taken her to Wooster, Norwalk and Marysville.

The 29-year veteran and Lewis Center resident says she was someone who liked to take advantage of opportunities and challenges. 

And now she's the first female Assistant Superintendent in the Ohio State Highway Patrol's history.

“I hope if anything, I can encourage women, that law enforcement is a wonderful career and obviously very rewarding,” says Lt. Colonel Marla Gaskill. 

For his part, Superintendent Fambro says the department must look at being more efficient and promote diversity across the board.

“In assignments, in how we make decisions, who we select for certain positions and opportunities, and we need to be fiscally responsible,” says Col. Fambro. 

And Gaskill echos that sentiment. 

“It's very important that we have a diverse workforce, so that will certainty be one of the things I work with Colonel Fambro,” says Lt. Colonel Marla Gaskill.