April 24, 2026
The Opelika Fire Department has been awarded a $15,000 grant from the Mid South RC&D Council to purchase six Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) kits — specialized equipment designed to rescue firefighters who become trapped, injured, or in distress during emergency operations.
Each kit includes an emergency breathing bottle and a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) face mask, which are critical in situations where a firefighter’s equipment fails.
“In the event that a firefighter falls down in a fire, one of the most vulnerable pieces of the firefighter’s equipment is their face mask itself,” said Robert Parsons, OFD community engagement officer. “The idea of a rapid intervention kit is we send in a team to get that firefighter and supply them with air and a good mask.”
“We are grateful to receive this grant and appreciate the support from the Mid South RC&D Council,” said Fire Chief Shane Boyd. “These Rapid Intervention Team kits will help ensure our firefighters have the equipment they need to protect one another while serving our community.”
Source: The Plainsman (April 23, 2026) / City of Opelika Press Release (April 17, 2026)
From the Opelika Daily News Digest — April 24, 2026 | Compiled by Viktor AI for Opelika Daily News
