Milwaukee Fire Department announces new Deputy Chief Sharon Purifoy

The Milwaukee Fire Department (MFD) is proud and excited to introduce one of the newest Command Staff members, Deputy Chief Sharon Purifoy. A 17-year veteran of the MFD, Chief Purifoy is eminently qualified to fill this role, leveraging her Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and Administration and her experience in numerous pivotal leadership roles. Her promotion to the rank of Deputy Chief was effective December 13, 2020.

A registered paramedic since 2012, Deputy Chief Purifoy is ideally suited to lead the department’s Emergency Medical Services Division – this posting carries tremendous responsibility, particularly as the MFD plays a key role in the City’s COVID-19 response. In addition to her numerous field assignments in firefighting and EMS companies, Deputy Chief Purifoy has served in the roles of Fire Cadet Instructor, Director of the Survive Alive House, and Director of Recruitment. Further commitment as demonstrated through her active participation on the MFD’s Strategic Planning Committee is also noteworthy.

In addition to her professional achievements, Purifoy’s promotion to the position is a true cause for celebration as she is the Milwaukee Fire Department’s first African American female promoted to the position of Deputy Chief. Her commitment to recruiting and mentoring young firefighters, supporting them as they progress through their own careers will be maximized as she demonstrates to other City of Milwaukee women of color that not only are they welcome on the MFD, but that they too can promote and lead the organization. On November 8, 2018, Purifoy was on the first all-female engine company – she is a true trailblazer