The Village of Hempstead Police Department says for the first time, two women have been promoted to its investigative unit full-time.

Detectives Marissa Bazzini and Alyssa Parke have both been police officers for a decade. They began part-time work in the investigative unit two years ago.

Bazzini said being a woman in law enforcement gives her a unique perspective and that while making an arrest people are, "more receptive to women because women, I think, have a gentler touch than men do and they're not as perceived as threatening."

The department and women's families gathered to celebrate the historic achievement.

Bazzini originally worked for the NYPD before being transferred to Hempstead in 2016 and has been known for taking guns off the street. She has won numerous awards for her service to the community.

Parke also started in the NYPD and was transferred to Hempstead in 2017. She has awards for her actions that directly saved lives and for overall excellence.