ATHOL – Trisha Gonynor, a 2001 graduate of Athol High School, has become the first full-time female firefighter to join the town’s Fire Department.

Gonynor was sworn in as the newest member of the force on Aug. 13.

She said she has long been interested in joining the fire service, and recently decided that her children, ages 19 and 7, were old enough to afford her the opportunity to pursue her dream. Gonynor joined the department as a call firefighter in 2020.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” she added. “My kids were getting older, so I was now able to focus on myself and what I wanted.”

Gonynor said she is the first member of her family to join the fire service, adding that her children support the decision. “They are both proud of what I do,” she said.

After graduating from AHS, Gonynor worked for about 10 years at Herrick’s Tavern in Orange, as well as working for a short time with the U.S. Postal Service.

Fire Chief Joseph Guarnera introduced Gonynor to the town’s Selectboard during its meeting on Aug. 13, following her swearing-in ceremony.

“Firefighter Gonynor will be filling a current vacancy on our staff,” Guarnera told the board. “She successfully passed the Athol fire entry exam, the (Mass. Firefighter) Assessment Center, medical training, physical ability test, and a very extensive background check. Firefighter Gonynor is currently enrolled in the Mass Fire Academy Career Recruit class beginning in October and will be enrolled in the paramedic school in 2025. Speaking on behalf of the Athol Fire Department, we are more than happy to have her on board.”

Guarnera then added, “She is going to be our first female career firefighter here in Athol, which I think is a fantastic thing.”

“We’re pleased that you have decided to join us,” said board Chair Stephen Raymond, with fellow members nodding in agreement.

After introducing Gonynor, Guarnera updated the board on efforts to increase departmental staffing.

“Since the town’s approval of four additional firefighters,” he said, “the entry exam for paramedics was administered and of those people who tested, only three passed. But those three are now in the assessment center phase.”

The chief added that next Wednesday, there would be an exam for the department’s EMTs, with a contractual agreement for them to go to paramedic school. Guarnera said it is his hope that by late September or early October “at the latest” to have the four new hires on board.

Greg Vine can be reached at gvineadn@aol.com.