Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Marine Corps veteran Chanel Jackson shattered a glass ceiling. She is the first Black woman to join the Springfield Fire Department.

Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, honoring Jackson during Women’s History Month, says Jackson is paying it forward.

“Chanel is also a member of the department’s honor guard and an instructor for the recruit academy,” said Mendoza, “helping train and shape the next generation of firefighters. Chanel is passionate about giving back to the community, prioritizing self-care and maintaining a strong commitment to fitness and personal growth.”

For her part, Jackson is a woman of few words.

“I’m still very new in my career field,” said Jackson, “but I do look forward to continuing to learn and just look forward to putting that effort into the community the way I guess I have been.”

Mendoza’s Springfield office honored five Downstate women during Women’s History Month. A similar ceremony took place in Chicago.