Recent URI graduate becomes first woman to qualify on all apparatus with Kingston Fire Department

KINGSTON, R.I. — Dec. 28, 2020 — Rachel Gomes, of Milford, Connecticut, came to the University of Rhode Island to earn a master’s degree in environmental science and management. But she had no idea that she would break barriers and go where no woman has gone before in Kingston Fire Department history. She recently became the first female firefighter to be cleared for primary duty at the all-volunteer department.

Gomes, who earned her master’s degree earlier this year, describes herself as an athletic person who loves helping the community and challenges herself physically. However, she never planned to be a firefighter, but while at URI, she realized she needed an additional challenge….