In Germany every federal state has its own civil protection laws thus they have different rank systems.
Additionally, in the volunteer fire departments, there is a difference between a rank and an official position.
This is founded on the military traditions of the fire departments.
Every firefighter can hold a high rank without having an official position.
A firefighter can be promoted by years of service, training skills and qualifications.
Official positions are partly elected or given by capabilities.
These conditions allow that older ordinary firefighters have higher ranks than their leaders.
But through this ranks are no authorities given (Brevet).

Professional Fire Fighters (Middle Technical Grades) of Rheinland-Pfalz
Completed vocational training in a technical occupation suitable for the fire service.
Basic firefighter training.

Professional Fire Fighters (Upper Technical Grades) of Rheinland-Pfalz
Bachelor of Engineering and two years departmental training.

Professional Fire Fighters (Higher Technical Grades) of Rheinland-Pfalz
Master of Engineering and two years of departmental training.

Helmet insignia of Rheinland-Pfalz
In Germany every federal state has its own civil protection laws thus they have different rank systems. Additionally, in the volunteer fire departments, there is a difference between a rank and an official position. This is founded on the military traditions of the fire departments. Every firefighter can hold a high rank without having an official position. A firefighter can be promoted by years of service, training skills and qualifications. Official positions are partly elected or given by capabilities. These conditions allow that older ordinary firefighters have higher ranks than their leaders. But through this ranks are no authorities given (Brevet).
Professional Fire Fighters (Middle Technical Grades) of Rheinland-Pfalz
Completed vocational training in a technical occupation suitable for the fire service. Basic firefighter training.
Professional Fire Fighters (Upper Technical Grades) of Rheinland-Pfalz
Bachelor of Engineering and two years departmental training.
Professional Fire Fighters (Higher Technical Grades) of Rheinland-Pfalz
Master of Engineering and two years of departmental training.
Helmet insignia of Rheinland-Pfalz
Firefighter