Just days after Barack Obama?s historic victory in the presidential election, the son of the first African-American firefighter to be promoted to lieutenant in Westchester got a chance to follow in his dad?s footsteps.

On Thursday, Mark McLean made fire lieutenant of New Rochelle nearly 30 years after his father, George McLean, was promoted to the same rank.

?To me, it opened up the door for lots of others, including my son,? George McLean says, referring to Obama?s win.

The now-retired fire lieutenant says it took three attempts to reach his goal because of his skin color. McLean is glad his son faced fewer obstacles.

?It's a testament to how far our country has come,? Mark McLean says. ?And that America is really beginning to live out its true creed that all men are created equal.?

As President-elect Obama begins to realize his dreams for the nation, the newly promoted fire lieutenant says he is also dreaming bigger now.

?I only look at this as the beginning,? he says. ?I want to go on to deputy chief.?

For footage from the New Rochelle Fire Dept. promotion ceremony, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.