Sharon Purifoy-Smoots became the first Black female to be promoted to assistant chief of the Milwaukee Fire Department on Thursday.
The promotion continues an already trailblazing career for the 19-year department veteran. In 2020, she became the first Black female to be named deputy chief at the department.
Her promotion Thursday was met with excitement from members of the Fire and Police Commission, which approved of the move unanimously after interviewing Purifoy-Smoots privately.
"This is truly a historic day for the city of Milwaukee," said Ed Fallone, the chair of the commission. Purifoy-Smoots’ ascension has been celebrated within the department as well. On April 30, Chief Aaron Lipski held a news conference at the Wisconsin Black Historical Society to announce her nomination to the rank of assistant chief.