The world we live in can present circumstances that require the aid of a public safety officer. Public safety officers in Wisconsin are found in the areas of law enforcement, firefighting and public rescue services. Each agency or company offering the general public emergency assistance will have its own training program for applicants. However, prior to being hired in any of these areas, applicants should search out pre-service training that will qualify them as an applicant for a public safety officer's position.
Instructions
Train for Law Enforcement
1. Identify the minimum admission standards before pre-training as a Wisconsin police officer or sheriff's deputy. Make sure you qualify to apply as an officer before beginning any pre-training. All job applicants must be 18 years of age or older and possess a high school diploma or GED. Other qualifications include a valid Wisconsin driver's license, proof of US citizenship and passing of a physical exam as administered by a licensed Wisconsin physician. A full list of qualifications is available at the Wisconsin Department of Justice website (see "Resources").
2. Enroll in a preparatory law enforcement officer training program. Wisconsin requires potential public safety officers to attend a training program approved by the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board, or LESB. Approved programs include those offered by the Wisconsin State Patrol Academy, as well as police and sheriff departments across the state. Some technical colleges are approved to offer the program in the associate's degree curriculum for Law Enforcement Officer Certification.
3. Complete the training program within the required timeframe. The LESB has time limits for completing approved training programs. People enrolled as full-time students must complete training within two years of enrollment. Part-time students have three years to complete training. Anyone enrolled in an associate's degree program that includes law enforcement officer training has three years from the time of his first core class -- as assigned by the school he is attending -- to finish officer training.
Train for Firefighting
4. Identify the prerequisites for becoming a firefighter before enrolling in training. Each city and town will have prerequisites for its firefighters. For example, Madison, Wisconsin, requires all applicants to be U.S. citizens, 18 years of age or older, high school graduates, possess a valid driver's license, be mentally and physically healthy, possess normal color vision and meet vision standards according to their measurements.
5. Build strength and endurance through a personal training program. Applicants should possess the strength and endurance necessary for the job prior to applying as a firefighter. Follow a weekly regime of weight and endurance training through a local gym.
6. Get certified as an EMT-Basic. Certification as an Emergency Medical Technician is required of firefighters. Most firefighter training programs include a four-week EMT training course in addition to firefighter training. Obtaining the certification ahead of time could shorten the time required before beginning a firefighting job. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services provides a list of qualifying schools and programs offering the EMT-Basic certification training (see "Resources").
7. Enroll in a Fire Protection Technician program at a local technical or community college. Fire prevention and firefighting techniques are taught through this program, and a semester-long internship with a local fire department as a firefighter is required. An opportunity to become state-certified as a Firefighter I or II is provided during the program. State certification is not a prerequisite for application as a firefighter. Successful completion of a Fire Protection Technician program generally results in an associate's degree.
Train for Public Rescue
8. Identify the prerequisites for the rescue position you desire before spending money and time on pre-service training. Make sure you meet age, education and physical requirements by contacting the agency or service you want to work for and inquiring about job requirements. Background checks and skill assessments may also be part of job requirements.
9. Obtain CPR training. The American Red Cross provides CPR training and certification at local venues throughout the US (see "Resources"). Anyone working in the emergency medical field must be trained in CPR. EMT training programs usually require students to be certified in CPR before enrolling.
10. Enroll in EMT training at a local technical or community college. Choose from the following programs: EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate Technician, Intermediate and Paramedic.
11. Obtain an EMT training permit if you will be working as an emergency team member while you are still training. Wisconsin requires students working as a trainee for an emergency service company during or after training to possess an EMT training permit. Permits are intended for the worker who is not licensed or certified as an EMT. Permits are issued through the training center the student is attending.
12. Complete EMT training and obtain an EMT certification. EMT training programs prepare the student for certification testing by the state. Contact the Wisconsin Department of Health Services for more information about licensing and certification.
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