Members are required to attend initial certification training (if not already certified) in addition to continuing in-house training, as well as regular on-call availability. Firefighters are required to complete a minimum of 36 hours per year of training, following initial certification. EMTs, Advanced EMTs and Paramedics are required to attend enough training hours to maintain their license level throughout the three year renewal period. Required hours are dictated by the State of WI and the EMS Medical Director. All licensed EMTs/AEMTs/Paramedics are also required to attend mandatory skills checks twice per year (generally in April and October).
For new members without previous certification(s) in firefighting or EMS, the department will sponsor and pay for certification training through the local technical college (MATC). New members will choose one of the following paths:
- Basic firefighting certification (Firefighter 1) is approximately 96 hours of classroom and hands-on training over the course of a semester. It is generally two nights per week (Mondays & Wednesdays from 6pm-10pm) for the entire semester. Fall semester classes begin at the end of August and conclude in the middle of December. Spring semester classes begin in mid-January and conclude in mid-May. In addition, firefighter candidates are required to complete Hazardous Materials-Operations. Hazmat Ops is an additional 6 classes (Tuesdays from 6pm-9pm) taken concurrently with Firefighter 1. Firefighter 1 students are required to take and pass the State of WI final certification written and practical exams at the conclusion of the course.
- Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training is approximately 180 hours of classroom and hands-on training over the course of a semester. It is generally two, sometimes three nights per week (Mondays & Wednesdays, with some Tuesdays from 6pm-10pm) for the entire semester. Fall semester classes begin at the end of August and conclude in the middle of December. Spring semester classes begin in mid-January and conclude in mid-May. EMT students are required to take and pass the National Registry final written and practical exams at the conclusion of the course.
For new members with previous certification(s) in firefighting or EMS, the department will work with you to transfer your licenses/certifications to our department and then orientate you to our policies, procedures and equipment. Not all certifications/licenses transfer from state-to-state, so we will assist you in navigating the process. If a certification/license does not transfer, you may be required to retake a course.
We always encourage members to achieve certifications beyond the basics and will work with you to create a pathway towards additional certifications.