Captain Jane Perkins was recognized by the Senators and Representatives of the Rhode Island General Assembly during an event at the Rhode Island Capital Building including a meeting with Governor Raimondo and introductions during meetings on the floor of the Senate and on the floor of the House of Representatives. Jane's family, including her mother Sharon, her husband Don, her son Christian, and her twin brother Aaron were with her at the State House to share in the proud moment.

The recognition and appreciation event was created to shine a spotlight on the smart, driven women of Rhode Island and was hosted and coordinated by Senator Donna M. Nesselbush (D-District 15, Pawtucket and North Providence) and Representative Joy Hearn (D-District 66, Barrington and East Providence).

The event coincided with International Women's day, which is a day to reflect on the achievements of women and the fight for gender equality. It is also a day for acknowledging the strides the world has taken in advancing women’s rights, freedoms and protections. The United Nations has recognized and celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8 since 1975.

During the special event, the General Assembly honored the highest ranking or most senior female firefighter from all of the Rhode Island Fire Departments. The firefighters were escorted by several women who hold elected offices into the chamber for a speaking program on women’s issues. Following a ceremony in the State Room and the presentation of Certificates of Recognition by the Governor, the honored guests were invited into the Senate chambers for the reading of a Senate resolution in honor of their efforts and were then were invited into the House of Representatives chambers for the reading of a House resolution in honor of their efforts.

The House resolutions that were read and presented to Jane and the other female firefighters recognized them for their "commitment to help women and girls to achieve their ambitions and goals in a gender inclusive world".

The Senate resolutions that were read and presented to Jane and the other firefighters recognized them for their "bold, courageous, and outstanding contribution as a fire fighter, a non traditional career for women."

Captain Perkins has served as a dedicated firefighter since 1995 and has served as our Captain for the past sixteen years. We sincerely appreciate her efforts to support the goals and objectives of the Watch Hill Fire Department and we recognize her continued commitment to provide exemplary service to the community and residents of Watch Hill.

We also appreciate and recognize the dedicated efforts of all of the Watch Hill female firefighters including current Lieutenant Hannah Schilke and Firefighter Rachel Schilke, as well as our former female firefighters including Tara Holdredge, Emily Cox, Kim DePerry, Kara Andaloro, Sarah Itteilag, Kevin Hurley, Lindsay Palmer, Colleen Johns, Dawne Lewis, Karen Devine, and Serena O'Connor.