State Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka presented proclamations to 15 women on Tuesday to mark Women's History Month. (Photo courtesy Facebook/Judy Baar Topinka)

By The Associated Press

CHICAGO - Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka is recognizing female fire service leaders as part of Women's History Month.

Topinka presented 15 women - including two of Illinois' female fire chiefs - with proclamations on Tuesday.

In a statement, Topinka says women historically struggled to break into the ranks of firefighters.

She called the group of women honored Tuesday ``trailblazers'' and says they showed women and girls everywhere that anything is possible.

Topinka is the first woman in state history to hold two constitutional offices. She served as treasurer of Illinois before she was elected comptroller.