MILWAUKEE — History was made Friday, as the first African American woman was sworn in as the Milwaukee County sheriff. She’s also the first African American woman to take on a sheriff position in the state of Wisconsin.

Denita Ball took her oath of office Friday after winning the election in November.

“I don’t think it has really sunk in. To me, I just changed the location, but I have been doing the work and I’m still doing the work,” said Ball.

To celebrate the occasion, she invited the community to her swearing in ceremony at the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center.

“I wanted to show my appreciation for their vote of confidence and I wanted them to be able to celebrate this occasion with me,” she said. “So I’m glad that so many people from the community were able to attend.”

The community showed their appreciation right back.

“We got your back, Sheriff Ball,” the crowd shouted.

Jennifer Harris, the stepdaughter of the new sheriff, introduced the sheriff at the ceremony and explained the significance of the moment.

“It’s really showing Milwaukee County that representation matters, but beyond that, we deserve a county where we can live and thrive and be healthy and happy,” Harris said. “And Sheriff Ball will help us [do that]…”

Harris said that Ball has indicated health and happiness are keys to Milwaukee moving forward.

Ball said the significant achievement of being the first African American woman sheriff in Milwaukee County is not lost on her. She said she hopes young Black girls take this as inspiration to accomplish any goal they put their minds to.

She said she wants everyone to know that under her leadership, the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office will be focused on community engagement.

“I think — because I have the support of the community — it will be easier to get things done. They know they have a willing partner in the sheriff’s office,” said Ball.

Ball said there will be challenges ahead, but she is ready to take them on.