History was made in Irvington Wednesday as the city swore in its first African-American fire chief.

Antonio Gary was named chief during a police and fire department promotional ceremony at Christian Pentecostal Church.

Gary has been with the fire department for nearly 20 years and says that he is proud to be a role model for the city's children.

"It's hard for young people to find a good positive role model," Gary says. "For me to be the highest-ranking uniformed African-American in the township, it sets the tone that they too can achieve what I have achieved."

Gary says that his short-term goal will be to recruit more firefighters for the city. He says that he also plans to replace the city's aging fire apparatuses.