The St. Paul Fire Department is gaining a new captain who’s making history.

At St. Paul City Council’s meeting on Wednesday, council members recognized Brittney Baker’s appointment as captain of the SPFD.

Baker, who grew up in St. Paul’s Rondo neighborhood and graduated from Central High School, is the first Black woman to be promoted to captain at SPFD, which took effect on Feb. 24, according to the department.

City documents note Baker began her career in 2012 and has since worked as an EMT, a certified nurse assistant, and a registered medical technician paramedic. She also holds certifications as a firefighter, fire investigator, fire equipment officer, hazmat and more. Additionally, Baker is president of Firefighters United and a board member of the St. Paul Fire Department Fire Foundation.

“It’s a lot. It’s heavy. It feels good. It’s been a long time coming,” Capt. Baker said. “I feel like this is where God wanted me to be. Everything that I’ve done has put me in this space.”

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS previously spoke with Baker, who said she was the only Black woman in the department when she was hired in 2018. However, she said that number had increased to four in 2023.

RELATED: St. Paul Fire Department increasing diversity among EMS workers

“Being the first is sometimes the hardest,” she said. “Always feeling I have to explain because of that ‘Well, you got it because you’re Black or you got it because you’re a female,’ like no, I got it because I work hard.”

When Baker isn’t at the fire department, she spends most of her time giving back as the lead instructor for the department’s EMS academy where her journey first started.

Baker said she wants future generations to know they’re able to accomplish anything they put their mind to.

“The leadership does not always come with a title. You can be that and if people are really dedicated to change, they can do that no matter where they’re at,” Baker said.

Baker explained the goal is to keep recruiting people to the St. Paul Fire Department to increase diversity.

A paid EMT certification program is opening up soon to help young people faced with barriers get necessary training. The application opens on April 1.