EMS Dress Code Policy

In compliance with the professionalism expected of firefighters and EMS providers, WCTC fire and EMS students attending courses in the following programs must comply with the student dress code policy. Failure to comply will result in dismissal from the course section.

  • All EMS programs
  • Fire certification programs (Firefighter I and II)
  • Dual Enrollment Academy

Classroom and Lab Sessions

  • Black, blue or navy duty pants (shorts, skirts and jeans are not permitted)
  • Black, navy or white socks
  • Black shoes (closed-toed; no high heels, sandals, clogs, etc.)
  • Black belt (single, simple buckle)
  • Black or navy collared or crew neck shirt (includes polo shirts), t-shirt, sweatshirt or job shirt
    • This may include insignia from your affiliated fire department or ambulance service, or a WCTC fire or EMS program (available at the WCTC Bookstore and through designated vendor)
    • Hooded sweatshirts are not permitted
  • When turnout gear is required, students are permitted to wear WCTC fire/EMS uniform shorts purchased through the clothing vendor. No other shorts will be allowed.
  • Hats are not permitted in the classroom or in the clinical setting.
  • Dual Enrollment Academy students will be issued red shirts to be worn during their program.

Clinical and Field Rotations

  • Blue WCTC Fire & EMS Training Center polo shirt is required for all clinical/field rotations. Dual Enrollment students will be issued a red polo.
  • Other provisions to the dress code may apply. See the clinical manual regarding tattoo and piercing prohibitions and other grooming requirements.

Grooming Standards

  • Shirt tucked in, buttons buttoned
  • Boot/shoe zippers zipped and laces tied
  • No clothing worn over the top of the uniform when indoors
  • Fingernails of reasonable length
  • Facial hair should be neatly groomed and should not interfere with SCBA face piece during firefighting activities.
  • Hair should be tied back, away from the face. Neutral color clips or headbands are allowed to secure hair. Handbands/clips should be discrete and no more than 1/8" in width.

Where to Purchase

WCTC fire/EMS t-shirts, polo shirts and job shirts are available at the WCTC Bookstore and department-approved retailer at the start of fall and spring semesters. Duty pants (AKA station pants, EMS pants) may be purchased at any uniform supplier or at other stores such as Fleet Farm or Walmart. Dickies are a popular, inexpensive brand.

Local Uniform Suppliers

Online Uniform Suppliers

Fire Gear Suppliers

Streichers
4777 N 124th Street, Butler
262.481.2552

Lark Uniform
3860 S. Howell Ave, Milwaukee
262.481.0740

MacQueen Emergency Solutions
350 Austin Circle, Delafield
262.646.5911

Conway Shield
14100 W. Cleveland Ave, New Berlin
800.955.8489

AirOne Equipment
N50W13740 Overview Dr, Menomonee Falls
262.373.1890


Policy Updated June 25, 2025