Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper

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June 21st, 2025

Milwaukee Fire Department

WGLB Radio honors history-making Milwaukee Fire Department couple

On Monday, February 6, 2023, WGLB Radio/ Joy Unspeakable Radio (1560-AM and 96.1 FM) and Dr. Ricky Price, Sr. honored Assistant Milwaukee Fire Chief Sharon Purifoy-Smoots for 25 years of service to the Milwaukee Fire Department (MFD) and the community. Also honored was her husband Dr. Dewayne Smoots, Assistant Milwaukee Fire Chief for 36 years of service to MFD. WGLB is proud … [Read more...] about WGLB Radio honors history-making Milwaukee Fire Department couple

Milwaukee Fire Department Administration Building dedicated to local architect Alonzo Robinson

On November 30, 2021, The City of Milwaukee hosted a dedication of the Milwaukee Fire Department Administration Building at 711 W. Wells Street, in honor of its architect Alonzo Robinson, Jr. (center). Alonzo was the first African American architect licensed by the state of Wisconsin and the city of Milwaukee's first Black registered municipal architect. His career was marked … [Read more...] about Milwaukee Fire Department Administration Building dedicated to local architect Alonzo Robinson

Milwaukee Fire Department Black History

MILWAUKEE FIRE DEPARTMENT BLACK HISTORY! In the beginning there were four MFD trailblazers, who paved the way. Pictured (top photo, from left) Chief Stephanie Hampton; first African American Female Firefighter Valerie Woodard; Firefighter Elizabeth Ewing; and (lower photo) Dr. Maureen Aniakudo Firefighter, RIH. We salute these extraordinary women who have blazed the trail to … [Read more...] about Milwaukee Fire Department Black History

Common Council OKs renaming MFD HQ in honor of Alonzo Robinson

The Milwaukee Common Council voted unanimously on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 to rename the Milwaukee Fire Department (MFD) Headquarters at 7th and Wells in honor of Alonzo Robinson, Wisconsin's first African American architect. Robinson is the designer and architect of the MFD headquarters. But he is also known for designing other buildings in downtown Milwaukee including … [Read more...] about Common Council OKs renaming MFD HQ in honor of Alonzo Robinson

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 … [Read more...] about Milwaukee Fire Department announces new Deputy Chief Sharon Purifoy

Operation Warm raises funds for winter coats through Hero’s Haul

Get your team ready! Groups of 10 people can test their muscles and pull a fire truck on Saturday, September 28, 2019 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Join Milwaukee firefighters for the third annual Hero’s Haul! Operation Warm, a program of the Milwaukee Fire Department, is excited to host this year’s Hero’s Haul Fire Truck Pull. Funds will purchase winter coats for Milwaukee … [Read more...] about Operation Warm raises funds for winter coats through Hero’s Haul

Milwaukee Fire Department celebrate Milwaukee Fire Recruits graduation

On Friday, November 16, 2018, the Milwaukee Fire Department (MFD) celebrated the commencement ceremony of the Milwaukee Fire Recruits class of 2018. Among those graduating where Tahj Lea (front row, center), the son of Torrey Lea and Pam Malone, who at the age of 20 has decided to forgo the college career track in architecture and pursue a career with the Milwaukee Fire … [Read more...] about Milwaukee Fire Department celebrate Milwaukee Fire Recruits graduation