WAUWATOSA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Wauwatosa Police and Fire Commission unanimously appointed Barbara Kadrich as fire chief on Friday, March 20, making her the first woman to hold the position in the city's history.

Kadrich brings 30 years of experience in the fire service, according to a Friday statement from the City of Wauwatosa.

"I am honored to serve in this role and proud to lead such an exceptional fire department," Kadrich said in the statement. "I still remember walking through the doors of the old Station 1 on my first day; it shaped who I am today."

Kadrich will lead the department during a transitional period as Wauwatosa and West Allis prepare to merge into Milwaukee Metro Fire Rescue in early 2027. A national search for the permanent chief of the joint department is planned.

"As we move through this transition and toward a merged department, we will stay focused, forward-thinking and united in creating something even stronger for the future," Kadrich said.

She may be the first woman to serve as fire chief in Milwaukee County, a milestone the city said it is working to verify.