More than four dozen New York City fire and EMS officers were promoted at a ceremony Thursday in the East New York section of Brooklyn.

"I thank you for all the work you have done to reach this moment," FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro said. "And I thank you for everything moving forward. Continue to be vigilant and send a strong example of leadership just as others have done for you."

Tonya Boyd is the first African-American woman in the department's history to rise to the rank of deputy chief.

"It's such a big deal, because for me coming on the job in the fire department as an EMT, I didn't see anyone that looked like me," she said.

Nigro said the promoted officers are leaders in firehouses, EMS stations and emergency facilities across the city.

Go HERE for an extended interview with Boyd.