Earlier this month, Milwaukee Fire Department reached a notable landmark when, on the night of Nov. 9, for the first time in the city’s history, a section of the city was protected by the watchful eyes of an all-woman crew.

Engine 9 firefighters Melanie Madden and Jessica Olson – based out of Fire Station 9 at 4141 W. Mill Rd. – were joined on that historic shift by Captain Sharon Purifoy, Lt. Belinda Bradley and firefighter Kendria Donaldson, who are normally assigned to other companies.

Bradley and Purifoy have nearly two decades’ experience with Milwaukee Fire Department, according to Lt. Michael Ball, who serves as MFD’s community relations director. The other three firefighters all came on the job together three years ago.

"Over the past several years," Ball said, "Milwaukee has been slowly growing the ranks of women serving on the Milwaukee Fire Department."

Currently, 25 of 708 sworn members of the department are women.

Station 9 is located in MFD’s Seventh Battalion and is also quarters for MED 4 paramedics unit.

Purifoy, of Engine 38, is featured in this year's Ignite the Spirit Fund Milwaukee firefighters benefit calendar, co-sponsored by OnMilwaukee.

An event with some of the calendar models is scheduled for tonight at Camp Bar in the Third Ward. Details are here.