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Vulcan Society Of African-American Firefighters Welcomes First Woman President

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The Vulcan Society – a fraternal organization representing African-American FDNY firefighters – inaugurated its first woman president Monday.

As 1010 WINS' Roger Stern reported, there was a round of applause as Regina Wilson assumed the position Monday.

"This is a joyous occasion," she said. "I'm so very happy just to be able to be a part of this historical organization," she said.

Vulcan Society Of African-American Firefighters Welcomes First Woman President

The significance of the event attracted some of the city's top officials, as well political trailblazer and former U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Holtzman.

"This is an organization that's made history for a very long time, and it's made history today," she said.

Wilson is a rarity in the FDNY, Stern reported. She is one of only 10 African-American women in the department.

She previously served as vice president for the Vulcan Society, and has been an active member of the group for all her 15 years on the job. She also led the United Women Firefighters as president from 2007 until 2011.

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