Shuntia Lucas, a sergeant at the Dane County Sheriff’s Office, is making history and encouraging others to aim high. She is the first African-American woman in the history of the sheriff’s office to be promoted to sergeant.
“I’m very excited about the promotion,” Sgt. Lucas told WMTV. “It’s a step in the right direction and I’m very excited to be a role model and show the diversity that the Dane County Sheriff’s Office has here.”
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Her high school track coach, who later served as her mentor, inspired her to pursue a career in law enforcement.
“Trooper Maurice Burton, my first interaction, my first time seeing an African American male officer,” she recounted. “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’m doing.”
Sgt. Lucas has been actively collaborating with the sheriff since being sworn into the sheriff’s office in 2018.
“That relationship has really been awesome. Having someone that pushes you to your greatness sees your leadership potential and is willing to work beside you and provide you with mentors,” Sgt. Lucas explained.
Sgt. Lucas was previously the first to be promoted to the rank of D-III booking deputy.
As she settles into her position, she is currently undergoing in-house training and working with seasoned sergeants.
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However, the mom-of-two enjoys reading and spending time with her children while she is not on duty.
“I love to read in my free time, I love to learn, and I just recently graduated with a master’s degree in November of 2024,” she said.
Sheriff Kalvin Barrett stated that although Sgt. Lucas is the first person to be promoted to the position, she won’t be the last.
“I know somewhere, someplace there’s going to be a little girl watching this story that’s going to see Shuntia and she’s going to be motivated and she’s going to be inspired to achieve greatness as Shuntia has done in her career,” Sheriff Barrett said.
