Two women on East Haven's police force have been promoted to detective, making them the first African-Americans in department history to attain that rank.

Officers Monique Colbert and Shirley Conyers were promoted Thursday, along with Officer Jeffrey Vailette.

Chief Brent Larrabee says the promotions were based on merit and he described all three as hard-working and dedicated.

East Haven police have been touted by U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch and others for making major improvements following a Justice Department investigation alleging officers regularly used excessive force against Latinos. Local officials signed a consent decree in 2012 to resolve the allegations.

The first minority to hold a rank above officer in East Haven is Joe Murgo, who is Dominican and was promoted to sergeant in 2012 and lieutenant last year.