Anthony Holland was promoted to the rank of lieutenant, becoming the first African-American officer to hold that rank in the Linden Fire Department's 104-year history.
The socially distanced ceremony was held in front of family and friends, during which Holland took the oath for his new position.
RELATED | 11 firefighters injured battling New Jersey house fire
Holland, who has been in the department since 2013, says the promotion was an honor.
"It's a great opportunity for leadership, I'm just looking to be a role model for other young men and women growing up to see someone that looks like them and that they can do it too, so I just look to strive to be a role model for everybody," Holland said.
Holland says he hopes to continue to move up in the ranks within the department.
----------
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* More New Jersey news
* Send us a news tip
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
* Follow us on YouTube