WAUSAU, Wis.— A fire chief instrumental in blazing a new trail in the fire service is retiring soon. 

Chief Tracey Kujawa was the first woman to be in the department at the Stevens Point fire department. She later took on the chief role there. 

About seven years ago, she was named the first woman chief of the Wausau fire department.

Kujawa has put in nearly three decades of service. It’s a passion and a career she didn’t always see herself doing.

“Growing up I didn’t even know where the fire department was in Plover. Soon I became interested in the aspect of the job as well so I went back to school and got the education I needed and decided to apply at Stevens Point,” Kujawa says.

Kujawa is a humble woman who accomplished a lot during her career. She built a new fire station for the Wausau fire department, increased safety for first responders, focused on physical and mental health, brought on leadership, and created a family environment for her department.

She plans to retire in April and is looking forward to spending time with her husband, kids, grandchildren, and her pets.