MILWAUKEE — As Milwaukee County Sheriff Earnell Lucas prepares to step down, his replacement is already making history.
Denita Ball will soon become the first female sheriff in Milwaukee County and the first Black female sheriff in Wisconsin history after winning the Democratic primary.
This achievement was a long time coming for Ball. She is currently the undersheriff serving of the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office.
Ball will bring 35 years of law enforcement experience and criminal justice education to the position of top cop in Milwaukee County.
“I have been a public servant for all of my career and just knowing that I can help someone on possibly the worst day of their life, to make that situation better,” Ball said. “It has caused me to stay within this profession. I also love social justice. I want to make sure people are treated equally.”
Ball explains even though she will carry the title of first Black female sheriff in Milwaukee County and the state of Wisconsin, the most important thing is to reaffirm the faith of the voters that put her in office.
She said she believes that way, she would only be the first of many African American female sheriffs in the future.
“That I come in and do the job that is expected of me so when others are making that decision, it won’t be a hard decision for them and then it would be easier for the community to say ‘Hey, Denita Ball did a good job, why don’t we try, whoever that next person is,’” she said.
As sheriff, Ball said she wants to work towards a safer Milwaukee County.
“My vision for the sheriff’s office is that we be a leader in this community whether it is reducing crime, strengthening our partnerships whether it’s with the community or with our law enforcement partners,” said Ball.
Although Ball will not have an election opponent in November, she will not be sworn in until January. However, she plans to roll up sleeves and get to work when that time comes.