Wisconsin Society of 

Emergency Services Instructors

Wisconsin Technical College System Training Update

By Angela White, Fire Service Education Director

for the Wisconsin Technical College System

Greetings and Happy Spring! There are some new and exciting opportunities coming up in Wisconsin’s training schedule. Are any of them for you?

Wisconsin Weekend NFA Classes

http://www.wsfca.com/resources/wisconsin-emergency-services-academy/

• Leadership in Supervision: Perspectives in Thinking (MFO prerequisite)
• Incident Command System and Resource Management for the Fire Service
• Strategies and Tactics for Initial Company Operations
• Preparation for Initial Company Operations

Fire Inspector Certification Hybrid Course

In-class sessions 

August 10 at MATC Madison 9 am – 3 pm, 

October 5 at Delton Fire Department 9 am – 3 pm, 

and October 21-24 at Delton Fire Department 8 am – 5 pm each day

On-line work August 17-September 28 and October 12

This class prepares students for the Fire Inspector State written and practical exam which will be held on October 24 at the Delton Fire Department. This class is paid with Fire Dues if you are a current member of a Wisconsin Fire Department. Contact Dawn Way for more information dway@madisoncollege.edu 

SPS330.08 Minimum Training and Education Standards FAQ’s

http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/sps/safety_and_buildings_and_environment/326_360/330.pdf

Since last October, the updated SPS 330 standard has generated a lot of questions regarding options for compliance with the training and education standards section (330.08). Below are the course options the WTCS provides.

What Firefighter course(s) does the WTCS provide to satisfy SPS330.08(1)

1. Entry Level Firefighter 60-hours No certification available

2. Firefighter 1 96-hours Certification available*

What Driver/Operator Pumper and/or Aerial course(s) does the WTCS provide to satisfy SPS330.08(2)

For Pumper:

1. Entry Level Driver/Operator Pumper 30-hours No certification available
2. Driver/Operator Pumper 66-hours Certification available

For Aerial:

1. Entry Level Driver/Operator Pumper

AND

Entry Level Driver/Operator Aerial 36-hours total No certification available

1. Driver/Operator Aerial 36-hours Certification available*
2. Driver/Operator Pumper

AND

Entry Level Driver/Operator Aerial 72-hours total

What Fire Officer course does the WTCS provide to satisfy SPS330.08(3):

1. Fire Officer I 40-hours Certification available*

*Prerequisites must be met prior to certification.

Do I have to obtain certification in the course(s) I take?

No, certification is not required for any course.

How do I obtain the training I need?

The WTCS has sixteen technical colleges around the State that provide all of the training listed here, as well as additional courses. Department Chiefs/Training Officers should get in touch with their local Technical College’s Fire Coordinator to obtain the schedule and/or to request a training class. That information can be found at https://mywtcs.wtcsystem.edu/fire-service/technical-colleges-centers-and-contact

For additional FAQ’s, please visit https://dsps.wi.gov/Documents/Programs/FireDeptSafetyHealth/FAQ.pdf

Course Updates

The curricula for Entry Level Firefighter, Firefighter I, Firefighter II, and Hazardous Material Awareness and Operations are currently under revision, with an anticipated release date near the first of the year. Watch for those changes as the time nears. More updates to come!

National Fire Academy Classes

Are you looking for a quick training opportunity? Be sure to visit our website any time to see the NFA class schedule (which provides locations and contact information). Looking for a class to benefit your Department? Check in with your local Technical College Fire Coordinator to learn what else is available! (https://mywtcs.wtcsystem.edu/fire-service/nfa-courses) 

As is always the case, I encourage you to visit our website to familiarize yourself with all of the opportunities that are available through the WTCS Fire Service Education Office and urge you to research the programming provided through your local Technical College. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me regarding any fire training thoughts, concerns, or ideas.

Email: angela.white@wtcsystem.edu

Phone: 608-266-7289

Web: http://mywtcs.wtcsystem.edu/fire-service

Facebook: www.facebook.com/WIfiretraining

Twitter: @WIfiretraining

Quote: Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. -Nelson Mandela