RAPID INTERVENTION TEAM #12

Rapid Intervention Team #12 is comprised of firefighters from Lake Harmony, Albrightsville, Penn Forest Twp #1, and Penn Forest Twp. #2 Fire Companies.

The planning of this team began in 1998, at which time the officers of all the companies sat down and discussed the concept and agreed that it was something that was needed on the fireground. A minimium training standard was created for each prospective RIT member. A review of "needed" training was conducted and various classes were held during 1998 and 1999. October 1999 culminated the "basic" RIT training with the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy - "Rapid Intervention Crew Exercises" class held at Lake Harmony. As a result of this training, we have 8 members "qualified" to operate as a member of the RIT team.

On January 13,2000 a RIT-Standard Operating Guidline" was adopted by the participating Companies. A RIT training officer was named.

All prospective RIT members are required to submit a RIT application and attach copies of all training certificates. The application is then voted on, and approved by the fire chiefs of each company.

Rapid Intervention Team #12 is the first organized Rapid Intervention Team within Carbon County, Pennsylvania. RIT#12 is able to provide service to other Carbon County Fire Departments as well as neighboring Monroe and Southern Luzene counties.

On January 1, 2002, RIT #12 officially went into service and is ready to respond to and perform the duties of a Rapid Intervention Team.

With the retirement of Fire Chief and RIT Team member Al Klitsch in October of 2004, the last remaining Lake Harmony Volunteer Fire Co. member of the RIT Team left and LHFD no longer will respond to RIT calls.

For more information on RIT #12 contact David Klitsch - RIT Training Officer at KLITSCH@ptd.net.

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