A young trailblazer is stepping forward to serve her community in Rockland County.

Anahis Gomez, 16, has officially become the first female firefighter in the 103‑year history of the Sloatsburg Fire Department. She was recently approved to be a junior firefighter. Her achievement marks a milestone for the department and a proud moment for the village.

Gomez, a Suffern high school student, spends her days in class and one night a week learning the ropes of firefighting with others at drills. She has been training on essential skills, including how to use a hydrant and handle a hose, as she prepares for future emergency calls.

When asked whether she knew she would be the department’s first female firefighter when she joined, Gomez responded, “Hmmm, no,” followed by a laugh.

Gomez says she is eager to take on real‑world responsibilities as she continues her training.

“I wanna go into like fires and stuff and start doing like real things,” she said. "And save people's lives.”

Her inspiration comes from close to home. She is following in the footsteps of her father, Aniello Vacchiano, an ex‑chief of the Sloatsburg Fire Department. Vacchiano says he is proud to see his daughter take on the role.

“I think she's going to do really great and, like I said, I'm really proud that she wants to do this,” he said.

Gomez hopes her accomplishment encourages other young women to consider joining the fire service.

“If I could do it, they could also do it. I feel like everyone should try it,” she said.

Her story may be the spark that inspires the next generation of female firefighters in Sloatsburg.