The City of Elizabeth this past week welcomed the first female firefighter to serve in 163 years.
According to officials Sheena Spence, Probationary Firefighter - daughter of local #2040 executive board member, Captain Darryl Robinson - will be given the honor to wear her dad’s badge number 531.
"It's an honor," said Spence, who received a standing ovation. "I did it to prove to myself that a woman of 35 can still do anything that she puts her mind to. Also, I have daughters that I want them to know that there is no barriers that you can’t overcome with a little hard work, faith and patience."
In addition, the first firefighter of Indian descent, Rachit Patel, was among 19 other male officers who graduated alongside Spence.
Photo: City of Elizabeth