One of the 47 Nassau County police officers promoted at SUNY Old Westbury made history Thursday, simultaneously breaking both racial and gender barriers.

After more than 11 years on the force, Lorna Atmore, of Queens, was promoted to detective lieutenant. Following in her father's law enforcement footsteps, Atmore is the first African-American woman to achieve such a high distinction. According to Commissioner James Lawrence, Atmore is an outstanding police officer and will take the lead at Massapequa's 7th Precinct as commanding officer of the detective squad.

Lawrence believes Atmore will serve as a trailblazer for other female African-Americans.