MILWAUKEE— A historic moment for the Milwaukee Fire Department: The first Black deputy chief of EMS was officially sworn-in to her new position.

Sharon Purifoy first stepped into the fire service 18 years ago as a cadet. She worked her way through many positions: Firefighter, EMS, lieutenant, battalion chief, and now as a woman making history.

“I never imagined myself being the deputy chief of EMS for the Milwaukee fire department. When I walked onto the training ground back in 2003, I pretty much thought I would get in and get out,” MFD deputy chief of EMS, Purifoy, says. 

However, she soon realized her love and passion for the job and excelled in many ways throughout the years. Which helped land her a top spot.

“When I see it on paper or when somebody says to me, ‘You are the first Black or African America female to be in this position in the Milwaukee fire department,’ I am overwhelmed… because I never thought I would be here,” Purifoy says.

Purifoy is setting an example for others who look just like her, letting them know they can do it too.

“Me being the first was just the tip of the iceberg. The fire service, the Milwaukee fire department, has so many opportunities for people who look like me; I want the ladies to know that they can do this too,” Purifoy says.

Chief Aaron Lipski has seen Purifoy in action since she was a cadet. He’s watched her grow and excel and couldn’t be more proud.

“This is a momentous occasion for us to have an African American female who has risen to the level of deputy chief and there are probably more coming and there is more coming for Sharon,” Lipski says.

Her hope is to open a door for many other women just like her and keep it wide open for years to come. 

“It took 175 years to get me here. Let’s make sure it doesn’t take another 175 to get the second one,” Purifoy says.