Milwaukee, WI
Black History Month: Daughter shares late mother’s story of becoming first Black female firefighter in MKE
MILWAUKEE — Almost one month since her mother handed away from most cancers, Ny-Keisha Easley discovered consolation in wanting again on the pictures that inform the unimaginable story of her mom, Valerie Woodard.
“I actually had an superior mother,” mentioned Easley.
Easley says when she was younger, Woodard moved from Indiana to Milwaukee together with her and her older brother after she misplaced her job. She began working at Goal however was barely getting by.
“She was making an attempt to make ends meet,” mentioned Easley.
It wasn’t till one in all Woodard’s sisters informed her that the Milwaukee Fireplace Division was searching for recruits, that she determined to attempt to be part of in an effort to create a greater life for her youngsters.
“She was like hey, the sky is the restrict, let me attempt it.”
After bodily getting ready herself on the YMCA, Woodard utilized and joined the fireplace academy the place Easley says her mother endured racism and discrimination all through her coaching.
“It was like a two-headed sword as a result of not solely was she black, she was a girl. They’d simply say racist phrases or name her completely different names,” mentioned Easley. “She talked about how they’d do additional challenges for her. They have been making an attempt to make it onerous for her to stop.”
However she was resilient. And on Could 30 1986 at 27 years outdated, Woodard graduated from the academy and have become the primary black feminine firefighter within the metropolis of Milwaukee.
“She made a distinction and he or she paved the way in which for different minority firefighters,” mentioned Easley.
After the academy, Woodard was assigned to Milwaukee Fireplace Station 32 Ladder 9. Easley says her mother cherished her job regardless of nonetheless dealing with some discrimination from the group.
“She informed me a few story the place she went inside any individual’s home and all of her teammates went in and the girl mentioned no she will be able to’t are available in. The captain on the time was like properly if she would not are available in all of us do not are available in.”
After 16 years of service, Woodard retired from the division in 2002. She moved to Texas the place she continued to stay till she was recognized with stage three pancreatic most cancers in 2020.
“Even in direction of the top, she was a fighter,” mentioned Easley.
On Jan. 4, 2023, simply days after her sixty fifth birthday, Woodard died. Now, Easley has taken it upon herself to proceed to share her mom’s story and educate the world in regards to the trailblazer of a girl that Woodard was.
“She was a really humble woman, that is why you did not hear a lot about her. However now, I would like all people to know that she was the primary black feminine firefighter in Milwaukee Wisconsin and I wish to inform her story.”
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Milwaukee, WI
'This is my pub': Packers Fans fill Moran’s in South Milwaukee for Thanksgiving watch party
SOUTH MILWAUKEE — It was all about the Packers Thursday night at Moran’s Pub on Thanksgiving. Dozens of fans spent the end of the holiday cheering on Green Bay as they took on the Miami Dolphins.
Moran’s invited TMJ4 to check out their special watch party and soak in the atmosphere.
Deanna Olson, a devoted fan, referred to the pub as her home. “This is my pub,” she said. “This is my hometown, South Milwaukee, born and raised. I live here, I love it, and I always cheer on my Packers. I’ve got to bring Grandpa’s flag, and here we are.”
Mike Beiermeister
That flag has become a lucky fashion statement of sorts for Olson.
“We went ahead and put this on as an ascot, and then we beat the Bears, so the ascot has to come back,” she said.
Watch: Packers Fans fill Moran’s in South Milwaukee for Thanksgiving watch party
Packers Fans fill Moran’s in South Milwaukee for Thanksgiving watch party
Olson wasn’t the only fan relying on a good luck charm Thursday night.
“I always have my Packer purse. Always during Packer season, I’ve got to make sure that I carry this,” said Katie “Grammy” Hilpert.
Mike Beiermeister
Hilpert was joined by her daughter and granddaughter. Together, they bleed Green and Gold. Moran’s is her go-to pub, making the game even more enjoyable.
“Oh, they’re my boys. I’m very thankful because they have had a little better of a season, but we’ll take what we can get,” said Hilpert.
During the game, fans had the chance to play games and participate in raffles.
Both Hilpert’s and Olson’s lucky charms paid off as the Packers secured the win.
While Hilpert was grateful to cheer on her beloved Packers this holiday, simply coming together at the pub was already a guaranteed victory.
“What are you thankful for?” asked TMJ4’s Mike Beiermeister.
“Grandchildren, children. Life in general is really good, really good right now,” Hilpert replied, embodying the spirit of gratitude on this Thanksgiving Day.
Mike Beiermeister
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MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee Police Department is seeking the public’s help in locating a critically missing 71-year-old woman.
Police said Orelia Rose McDowell was last seen near 38th and Nash on foot at approximately 5:30 p.m.
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McDowell is described as 5 feet, 3 inches tall, around 157 pounds and with brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a tan jacket, pink shirt, pink pants and pink Puma tennis shoes.
A Silver Alert was also issued.
Anyone with any information regarding the whereabouts of Orelia is asked to call MPD – District 7 at 414-935-7272.
A least two apartments were damaged in a fire on Glenbrook Road near Northridge Mall in Milwaukee.
Firefighters are still working to determine a cause, but say no one was injured other than a firefighter who cut his hand.
TMJ4, Mikenzie Hammel
Investigators are still determining the extent of the damage to the apartment building. They’ve told TMJ4’s Mikenzie Hammel that the fire appears to have started in a second-story unit and that the flames damaged the apartment directly above it.
TMJ4, Mikenzie Hammel
Residents in the building tell Mikenzie the entire hallway was filled with smoke.
Mikenzie is on the scene working to learn more about how many people may be displaced this Thanksgiving Day. This story will be updated on air and online.
Talk to us:
Hey there! At TMJ4 News, we’re all about listening to our audience and tackling the stuff that really matters to you. Got a story idea, tip, or just want to chat about this piece? Hit us up using the form below. For more ways to get in touch, head over to tmj4.com/tips.
It’s about time to watch on your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for “TMJ4” on your device.
Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more.
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