In honor of Black History Month, the Milwaukee Fire Department celebrated the contributions of its African-American members who have advanced diversity and exemplified the department’s values of Courage, Honor, and Integrity. Trailblazers such as FF William Curry, the department’s first black firefighter in 1948, and FF Thomas Edward, its first black Lieutenant in 1955, were recognized for their groundbreaking roles, as reported by the Milwaukee Fire Department.
The post also honored milestones like Valerie Woodard becoming the first black female firefighter in 1986 and Stephanie Hampton’s rise to Battalion Chief by 1992. These achievements show the lasting impact of African-American firefighters on the history and culture of the Milwaukee Fire Department.
According to the Milwaukee Fire Department on their Facebook page, the department honored firefighters and leaders, including Donald Jackson and Douglas Holton, who rose through the ranks to Captain, Battalion Chief, Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief, and, in Holton’s case, Fire Chief in June 2007. Sharon Purifoy-Smoots was recognized as the first Black female Assistant Chief in April 2003. The department said, "Thank you to all of our members who serve the City of Milwaukee with Courage, Honor & Integrity," and will feature more member spotlights during Black History Month.
