MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Public Information Officer, PIOMarkBrady@gmail.com
The Yvorra Leadership Development Foundation (YLD) has selected Milwaukee Fire Department Lt. Jessica Ziems as a recipient of the Chief James G. Yvorra Scholarship for Fire and Emergency Service Responders.
In her scholarship application, Ziems emphasized the importance of education in modern fire service leadership.
“I know education is valuable,” Ziems wrote. “As I advance, more decisions require data, and more people ask, ‘What are your qualifications?’ Completing a bachelor’s degree in either social work or human resource leadership will give me the administrative and human-services depth to match my field experience and better serve our members.”
“The foundation is proud to support fire service leaders like Lt. Ziems, who demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and to serving both their colleagues and their communities,” said Michael Hildebrand, president of the Yvorra Leadership Development Foundation. “Her dedication reflects the values Chief Yvorra stood for.”
As a fire lieutenant with the Milwaukee Fire Department, Ziems leads and supervises a company of firefighters and heavy equipment operators in emergency and non-emergency situations. On the fireground, she directs strategy, makes time-critical decisions and ensures the safety of her crew while protecting lives and property. At the firehouse, her responsibilities include training, mentoring, scheduling, evaluations and maintaining morale. A significant part of her role involves working with probationary firefighters as they develop skills and integrate into the company.
Beyond her traditional supervisory duties, Ziems serves in several specialized roles that expand the department’s capabilities. She is a certified diver on the Milwaukee Fire Department Dive Rescue Team, trained for high-risk underwater rescue operations. She also serves as a peer support lead, assisting members coping with the stresses of the profession and connecting them with appropriate resources. As an EMT instructor, she trains both new recruits and veteran members, reinforcing high standards of emergency medical care.
Ziems is also a strong advocate for women in the fire service. She earned the top score on the Milwaukee Fire Department’s fire lieutenant promotional exam, becoming the first woman in department history to place first.
“It wasn’t a finish line; it was a starting point,” Ziems said. “After years of being underestimated, I met doubt with curiosity, questions and hard work. When the list came out with my name first, it gave me the credibility to show what I could contribute and to help improve the department for others.”
That achievement led to additional leadership opportunities, including her selection as a logistics officer for the most recent Republican National Convention. In that role, Ziems coordinated budgets, equipment, personnel and timelines with department leadership and partner agencies. Often the youngest — and frequently the only woman — in the room, she consistently delivered under pressure and earned trust.
Ziems has since played a key role in advancing initiatives supporting work-life balance, including advocating for pregnancy policy improvements and paid parental leave. As a peer support leader, she remains a trusted resource for members seeking mental health support, guidance or a grounded second opinion. She also mentors probationary firefighters and younger women, ensuring that her historic achievement will not be the last.
The Milwaukee Fire Department, led by Fire Chief Aaron D. Lipski, protects approximately 95 square miles and serves a population of about 595,000. The department responds to more than 80,000 calls annually and employs approximately 750 sworn personnel. Three Milwaukee Fire Department members were selected to receive YLD scholarships this year, marking the first time multiple recipients have come from the same department.
Each year, the Yvorra Leadership Development Foundation recognizes emerging and developing leaders in fire, EMS, hazardous materials, emergency management and homeland security. In 2025, YLD awarded 10 scholarships totaling $52,000.
The application period for YLD scholarships runs from Aug. 1 through Oct. 30. More information is available at www.YLD.org.
/p>