She is the only Black woman who has risen to the top of this fire department.
Quatecia Wilson became the first Black woman to advance to the position of fire captain in the Little Rock Fire Department’s history during a promotion ceremony at the LRFD’s training facility on Murray Street.
The celebration took place on Wednesday, when Wilson was promoted to captain, according to the Arkansas Times.
Wilson called the promotion “monumental,” but added that it “is not the end of my journey, nor is it the highlight of my job.”
The Little Rock, Arkansas, fire department congratulated the captain on Facebook, along with another promoted employee.
Wilson has been with the department for more than nine years. During the promotion ceremony, she honored previous LRFD leaders, retired personnel, friends, family, the engine team, and her Eudora hometown.
“I hope that I will do you guys justice in carrying this torch forward,” Captain Wilson said.
As part of the ceremony, Wilson exchanged pins and embraced comments from loved ones like her father, Robert Liggins. Wilson’s mother, Wanda James, had the honor of placing the pin on her daughter’s uniform.
“Whatever word exceeds proud, that’s what I am of you,” James said.
Even Wilson’s son, Logan, chimed in on his pride in his mother’s accomplishment.
“I believe that she will never give up,” he said.
This marks one of the most recent in-person celebrations following the pandemic that forced the world to communicate virtually.
“The mission of the Little Rock Fire Department is to provide immediate fire and emergency medical service in a professional and efficient manner,” the LRFD wrote on the department’s website.
Their value statement covers 10 areas: life safety, integrity, talent, transparency, leadership, excellence, respect, opportunity, character, and knowledge.
“We are committed to being good stewards with the resources, equipment and responsibilities we have been entrusted with,” the statement said. “We are committed to providing leadership and guidance to our fire personnel.”
“We are committed to exercising the opportunity to serve our community with compassion and professionalism,” it added.