Richlands Fire-Rescue, Fire Division

07/12/2026

This weekend, Richlands Fire & Rescue had the privilege of hosting the Virginia Department of Fire Programs’ Surface Water Rescue Operations course. Over the course of three demanding days, several members of our department, along with fire and EMS personnel from across the Commonwealth, successfully completed this intensive training.

The course challenged participants with a swim assessment, classroom instruction, and extensive hands-on skills training in the water. The knowledge and experience gained will enhance our department’s ability to respond safely and effectively when flooding occurs and water rescue operations are needed in our community.

We would like to congratulate Chief Rhudy Keith Jr., Captain Austin Keen, Firefighter Robert Mosolgo, Firefighter Lucas Keith, Firefighter Sam Hylton and Firefighter Isaac Shortt on successfully completing this course. Thank you for your dedication, commitment, and willingness to continually train so you are prepared to serve and protect our community when called upon.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to the Virginia Department of Fire Programs and their outstanding instructors for bringing this valuable training opportunity to Southwest Virginia.

06/28/2026

05/14/2026

We would like to Congratulate Firefighter Lucas Keith for passing his Fire Instructor II Class. This class requires the students to design a class to be taught and the passing of a 50 question test. Hard work and perseverance takes time and dedication. Lucas is a third generation firefighter and has grown up in the fire service. Lucas is the little one in the picture below, that little boy would be proud and so are we!

04/16/2026

We would like to congratulate FF Isaac Shortt for his successful completion of the Firefighter 1 Course. It is a tremendous achievement to complete this 168 hour course while also being a senior at Richlands High school! Isaac we are very proud of you! With Isaac’s completion of the FF1 course this brings our department up to the standard that ALL members are at a minimum of Firefighter 1 level trained. This is a huge accomplishment for our department.Thank you to all members for your dedication to your community! Join us in Celebrating Issac’s achievement!