SHREVEPORT (AP) - A Louisiana police department has finally welcomed a black woman onto its Mounted Patrol.

  

The Shreveport Times reported Thursday that Shreveport police Officer Catari Jackson has completed the certification course to become an officer on the department's Mounted Patrol, which is often seen marching through the city's downtown streets on horseback.

  

The 25-year-old has been with the department for four years and recently transferred to the downtown area, which requires officers be trained and certified in Mounted Patrol.

  

Jackson said she didn't realize she was the department's first black woman to earn the certification until it was mentioned to her in her last week of training this month. She says she feels like God placed her where she is so she can be an example to other women.