Historic moment for Milwaukee County, Wisconsin with swearing-in of Sheriff Ball

MILWAUKEE (CBS58) -- In a public swearing-in, Milwaukee County's first-ever female sheriff and Wisconsin's first Black female sheriff made history.

"But now it is my time," Sheriff Dr. Denita Ball said after being sworn in on Friday at the War Memorial Center in downtown Milwaukee.

Ball, who has been serving as sheriff since being appointed by Governor Evers in October, thanked those who came before her.

"I do want to say that I understand that I did not get here alone. There were other people that came before me, who paved the way so I can stand on this stage," she said.

The room was packed with people wanting to see the sheriff take her oath of office. Those in attendance included elected officials, members of Ball's sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, and members of her church.

One woman, who is the great-niece of Milwaukee's first Black police officer, knows Ball from church and is proud to have witnessed her make history.

"I have a lot of pride and respect for that because I know for Sheriff Ball, she is a woman who has a heart of service, and I truly believe that," Renata Hansbrough said.

During her inaugural speech, the sheriff addressed the record-breaking violence in Milwaukee.

"Do we want the same thing to happen this year? Then we have got to do something different," Ball said.

Despite the increased violence, Ball tells CBS 58 she is optimistic 2023 will be different if there is collaboration.

"I don't think we're going to have the year that we had last year, the last three years, I truly don't," she said. "But it takes all of us working together."

CBS 58 interviewed Sheriff Ball about her plans for her new role last summer. You can read that story here.