Baltimore’s first female mayor shared the podium with another trailblazing compatriot Wednesday — the first female battalion chief in the history of the Baltimore City Fire Department.

Laura Shiloh will head the city’s emergency medical services operation. “Battalion Chief Shiloh is yet another example that in this city — and in this administration — people will be judged on their merit,” Mayor Sheila Dixon said in a statement released Wednesday.

“She will play a vital role in ensuring that Baltimore and its citizens have the very best team of first responders in the country.”

Shiloh began her career with the department in 1987 as a paramedic. She was promoted to EMS lieutenant in 1999 and EMS captain in 2003. The promotion “represents the great strides and contributions that women have made within the fire service,” Fire Chief William Goodwin said in the statement.

Shiloh also heads the city’s paramedic bike team and serves on the accident-review board.