On Saturday November 1, 2003 the Sound Beach Fire Department was activated for a mutual aid to Mt Sinai Fire Department for a working structure fire. We were requested to respond with a R.I.T. Team (Rapid Intervention Team). The purpose of this team is to be in standby mode on the fire scene incase a firefighter working the fire becomes trapped or injured in the structure and needs to be removed. It is standard operating procedure for most departments to have a R.I.T. Team from a mutual aide department (pre determined) activated to respond as soon is it is confirmed that there is a working structure fire. The team was on scene for approx an hour and a half. Fortunately the services of the team were not needed. Several departments assisted in the firefighting efforts.

Photos by Larz Schwartz