Training and Progression
Proposed Rank Progression
Pohe
This document was written for the purposes of providing training and progression for the Putaruru Operational Support Unit in New Zealand. As such, it may not be suitable for other Support Units although if you find a use for all, or only part of the information, feel free to use it here.

Putaruru Volunteer Fire Police Rank Progression Structure

Rank to be attained /

Process & Pre-requisites

Recruit Operational Support(ROpS) /
  1. Have attended 4 training nights as an Observer
  2. Interview with unit OIC & Station Manager or CFO/DCFO
  3. Approval via NZFS application process

Operational Support
(OpS) /
  1. Have completed 3 months as a ROpS
  2. Have completed Units 1 to 5 of the Progression Programme: Induction Training
  3. Have demonstrated competency in a task related to equipment on the support appliance
  4. Demonstrate basic knowledge of Radio operational procedures
  5. Have knowledge of Fire Service promotions topics
  6. Brigade approval

Qualified Operational Support(QOpS) /
  1. Have completed 12 months as a OpS
  2. Have completed Unit 6 of the Progression Programme: a Regional Basic Skills course
  3. Have completed a NZFS (or approved) First Aid course
  4. Have completed Safe Person Concept training (Practical)
  5. Demonstrate knowledge of Agreed Support Activities

Senior Operational Support (SOpS) /
  1. Have completed 12 months as a QOpS
  2. Have completed CIMS 2 course
  3. Have attended Advanced Operational Support course
(when available)
  1. Have completed pre-course training in driving regulations as per NZFS policy (Theory) and successfully attaining ERT class 1 certificate.
  2. Demonstrate competency in Nominal Roll Tally procedure at greater alarms (Theory)
  3. Demonstrate full competency in Radio procedures (Practical)
  4. Demonstrate competency in crew command & management (Practical scenario as OIC)
  5. Demonstrate knowledge of understanding Operational Support Business Plan

Station Officer Operational Support
(SOOpS) /
  1. Have held the rank of S)pS for 24 months, or, at least 4 years continuous operational service in the Fire Service
  2. Have attended advanced Operational Support course (when available)
  3. Demonstrate competency in knowledge and operation of all equipment carried on support appliance
  4. Demonstrate competency in Command Structure at greater alarm incidents (Theory)
  5. Demonstrate competency in crew command & management (2 x Practical scenarios
  6. Demonstrate competency in knowledge of equipment and stowage on Brigade response appliances
  7. Interview with DCFO, unit OIC and Manager

Training and Progression for Fire Police/Operational Support – Putaruru Volunteer Fire Brigade 2002Page1