Sept. 27, 2025 — Lieutenant Roderick and Firefighter Towns of the Sturbridge Fire Department joined firefighters from across Fire District 7 for a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) training session at Auburn Fire Station 2.

A Rapid Intervention Team is a designated group of firefighters on the fireground whose sole mission is to rescue lost, disoriented, incapacitated, or trapped firefighters. The training provided participants with both strategy and hands-on practice in realistic, high-stress conditions.

Instructors Captain Brigham and Lieutenant Lemieux of Auburn Fire Rescue led the session, which included working in a smoked-out burn building to simulate zero-visibility conditions. Firefighters practiced advanced rescue skills such as:

• Pack conversion
• Universal air conversion transitions
• 2-to-1 hauling systems
• Use of the F.A.S.T. board and Sling Link
• Techniques for moving downed firefighters up and down stairways

Departments represented at the training included Sturbridge, Southbridge, Charlton, Auburn, Grafton, and Sutton, highlighting the collaborative spirit of Fire District 7.

The training reinforced the critical role of RIT operations in ensuring firefighter survival and readiness during emergency incidents.