ROXBURY (CBS) – The family of Boston’s first African American police officer gathered in Roxbury on Saturday to unveil a special plaque dedicated in his honor.

Horatio Homer was hired as the Boston Police Department’s first African American patrolman in 1878. Over 130 years later, he was honored at the area B2 police station.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030′s Kim Tunnicliffe Reports: 

His granddaughters, Lillian and Maria Homer, say their grandfather was a pioneer that ushered in a new era.

“Everyone has to take risks in their lives, regardless of the consequences,” Lillian said. “He took quite a risk, and they believed in him and supported him, and he paved the way.”

Today, 27% of the BPD’s patrol officers are African American.