05/21/2026
Over the last month, members of the Washington Township Fire Department successfully completed the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) Member Program, instructed by the Camden County Fire Academy. Attending members ranged from probationary firefighters to Chief Officer, all demonstrating the dedication, determination, and commitment to continuous learning that define our profession.
Throughout the course, students were afforded the opportunity to train in two acquired structures, including a private single-family residence and an approximately 60,000-square-foot movie theater within the Township. These realistic training environments provided invaluable hands-on experience in firefighter rescue operations.
During the Large Area Search and Rope-Assisted Search practical evolutions, our members trained alongside firefighters from the Pine Hill Fire Department, Gloucester Township Fire District #5, Lindenwold Fire Department, and Laurel Springs Fire Department. Training together with neighboring departments, some of which respond as mutual aid partners, provided an excellent opportunity to understand the differences in equipment, tactics, and operational approaches that may come together on any incident within our region. This type of interagency training strengthens relationships, improves interoperability, and better prepares all of us to operate effectively on the fireground when called upon.
We would greatly like to recognize our Chief of Department, Dolgos, who attended the program as a student and successfully completed the course alongside the membership. His willingness to place himself in the same learning environment, meet the same expectations, and perform the same demanding training evolutions demonstrates true humility, professionalism, and a genuine passion for the fire service. His commitment to continuous learning and leading by example serves as a testament to the fact that no matter oneβs rank, there is always an opportunity to learn, grow, and improve.
