Two Bridgeport firefighters, Necole Dundy Pittman and Montique Pettway-Moore, took a historic step forward together Friday - breaking a glass ceiling.

Both are veteran lieutenants who are now captains — the first women captains in the department's history.

"This is a moment to be proud of, and I understand the magnitude of my achievement," said Pettway-Moore.

"We're working with our brothers who have never worked with female captains, so it's important just for our department to see us and to realize we are here, and we now manage firehouses now," said Dundy Pittman.

Both captains thanked their mentor, Ina Anderson - the department's first woman lieutenant.

"I'm grateful that I was the one that was called to open the door," said Anderson.

The two women reflected on their lives and what brought them here today.

"As a mom raising two brown girls, I know how important it is for them to have a positive influential role model in their lives," said Pettway-Moore. "It's a proud moment. It really is. I worked really, really hard to get here."