University training of senior fire brigade officers. The new approach in Sweden

In Sweden a fundamental development has recently taken place in the training of future senior fire brigade officers. There are two main changes: the training period has been substantially increased and the theoretical part upgraded to university curriculum level with final requirements corresponding to a university undergraduate degree. The new educational system reflects the changing and expanding role of fire brigades and the need for a professionally improved leadership. To put the new training system into a proper context, the varied and dissimilar responsibilities of a Swedish fire brigade officer should be touched upon. Four main sectors are identified: business administration, fire prevention, training of employed staff and rescue service operations. The main structure of the training system and the university curriculum are discussed.