Breaking Barriers: Sgt. Shuntia Lucas Makes History as the First Black Woman Sergeant in Dane County Sheriff’s Office

History has officially been made in Dane County, Wisconsin — and it comes with a powerful message about courage, representation, and perseverance.

Sgt. Shuntia Lucas has become the first Black woman ever promoted to the rank of sergeant in the Dane County Sheriff’s Office, a groundbreaking achievement that is inspiring both her colleagues and her community (WMTV News, 2025). Her promotion is more than a professional milestone — it’s a living symbol of what progress looks like when opportunity meets determination.

“I’m very excited about the promotion,” Sgt. Lucas shared in an interview with NBC15. “It’s a step in the right direction, and I’m proud to be a role model who shows the diversity that the Dane County Sheriff’s Office represents.”

A Calling Born From Community

Lucas’ path into law enforcement didn’t begin in a classroom or academy — it began on a high school track. Her inspiration came from Trooper Maurice Burton, her track coach and mentor.

“My first time ever seeing an African American male officer was with him,” Lucas recalled. “It blew my heart away — what he did with the community, what he did with me as a track athlete, what he did as a liaison at our high school. I said, ‘That’s me. That’s what I want to do.’” (Wisconsin State Journal, 2025)

That spark of inspiration led her to join the Dane County Sheriff’s Office in 2018. Since then, Lucas has built a career defined by excellence, empathy, and a passion for service. She’s consistently taken on leadership opportunities, earning the respect of peers and supervisors alike.

Mentorship and Leadership in Action

Sheriff Kalvin Barrett, who himself made history as the county’s first Black sheriff, has been one of Lucas’ strongest supporters. Their connection, Lucas says, has been transformative.

“That relationship has really been awesome,” she said. “Having someone that pushes you to your greatness, sees your leadership potential, and is willing to work beside you and provide you with mentors.” (Madison365, 2025)

Barrett praised Lucas’ promotion as a meaningful step toward the department’s vision of equity and inclusion.

“I know somewhere, someplace there’s going to be a little girl watching this story,” Barrett told NBC15. “She’s going to see Shuntia, and she’s going to be motivated — inspired to achieve greatness just like Sgt. Lucas has done in her career.”

A Record of Firsts — and a Legacy of Learning

Lucas is no stranger to breaking barriers. Before becoming sergeant, she was the first Black woman to be promoted to D-III Booking Deputy, another milestone within the department. Her achievements haven’t stopped there. In November 2024, she earned her master’s degree in organizational leadership, all while raising two children and balancing a demanding career (WMTV News, 2025).

“I love to read in my free time, I love to learn,” she said, smiling. “Education and growth are how I continue to lead by example.”

Her story reflects the growing recognition of women — especially women of color — in leadership roles within law enforcement. Nationwide, Black women make up less than 3% of police supervisors, according to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics (2023). Lucas’ success therefore stands as a beacon of change and possibility for others who aspire to serve.

Building the Future, One Step at a Time

Now stepping into her new position, Sgt. Lucas is undergoing advanced in-house training and shadowing veteran sergeants to sharpen her skills even further. She views this chapter not as a culmination, but as the start of something bigger.

“This is just the beginning,” she told Madison365. “I want to use my platform to mentor others, especially young women who might not see themselves in this uniform yet.”

Representation That Inspires

For Dane County, Lucas’ rise marks an important stride toward a more inclusive and representative public safety force. For the next generation, her story is proof that leadership knows no bounds of race or gender.

Her achievement isn’t just about a badge or a title — it’s about rewriting what leadership looks like, one historic promotion at a time.

Because of Sgt. Shuntia Lucas, another young Black girl in Wisconsin — or anywhere in America — will look at her and believe: that could be me.