Emergency Vehicle Operators Course

Naval Air Station Sigonella Security Force members participated in a five-day course to earn their Emergency Vehicle Operator qualification. The course qualification is good for three years, but the security department conducts proficiency training with all members on annual basis.

The first three days of the course take place in the classroom and cover topics including basic driving fundamentals, case laws involving emergency vehicle operations, and the “rules of the road” while operating emergency vehicles during routine and emergency responses.

“This helps the students better understand the ‘hows and whys’ we operate the way we do,” explained Masterat-Arms 1st Class Levi Reulecke, course instructor.

The final two days of the course consist of a driving practical. Students are put through a series of stressinduced obstacles to test their ability to safely and effectively operate an emergency vehicle in high-risk environments.

“[Emergency Vehicle Operator Course] is important for a number of reasons,” adds Reulecke. “The course itself pushes their driving skills to the limit so that if a need arises in the line of duty, not only are they more capable at high-risk driving, but also more confident in doing so. It also allows the Sailors to know not only their physical limits behind the wheel, but also the limitations for the vehicles and equipment we operate on a daily basis.”

At the conclusion of the course, 14 Sailors earned their qualification and will continue with additional training requirements to qualify or re-qualify as Patrol Officers onboard NAS Sigonella.