Sharlea
Engine 21
A Little Q&Amp;A with the Hero
Who is someone you admire, and why?
I admire my Dad. He has always been very family oriented and cares for others very deeply.
Do you have any skills or talents that most people don’t know about?
I can hold a headstand for a very long time. I have won multiple headstand contests in the firehouse.
Tell me two pet peeves?
Loud chewing and negative people.
What do you think are the best skills that you bring to your job?
My best skills for my job are my empathy for others and my drive to keep learning how to be the best version of myself.
What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working?
Hanging with my beautiful family.
What would be your personal motto?
Never give up, there is always someone out there who would love to be in your shoes.
If we went to happy hour, what would you order?
Dirty martini, extra dirty.
The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is?
Life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% how you react.
WIn another life, I’m pretty sure I was?
A gazelle. I love to run but I’m not very fast, maybe I was faster in another life.
What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join the department?
Work hard and stay humble.
What’s the most inspiring part of your job?
When kids, specifically little girls, call me their hero. There was a time when women were discouraged from joining the fire service so inspiring young girls that they can be anything they want is so important.
What was your favorite TV show when growing up?
SpongeBob.
How did you feel the first time you stepped into a Milwaukee firehouse?
A little intimidated but also hungry to earn my spot.
What’s the strangest talent you have?
Drinking caffeine all day and still falling asleep at night.
What was your childhood nickname?
Shar-Shar.
Do you have any strange phobias?
I think lady bugs are disgusting.
What are three things left on your bucket list?
Swim with sharks, go overseas on a mission trip, take my daughters to Hawaii.