CAL FIRE has successfully trained more than 650 new Company Officers in 2025, more than ever before, with four training centers operating at full capacity. The newest, the Atwater Training Center in Merced County, opened in July 2025 to meet growing training demands. Additional facilities are in Redding and Riverside.
According to the agency, this historic achievement, “underscores the department’s consistent and sustained commitment to developing highly skilled, professional leaders to serve the State of California.”
Director and Fire Chief Joe Tyler acknowledged the efforts required to meet this workforce demand during his keynote address:
“This milestone year of training represents our commitment to the future of CAL FIRE and the safety of California. We recognize the achievement of these 38 students, as well as the dedication of our training staff who maintained exceptionally high standards while sustaining this record-setting pace.”
Company Officer Academy Class Graduation
CAL FIRE is celebrating the graduation of this final cohort of the year, Company Officer Academy Class 25-14, marking the successful conclusion of the intensive 2025 training season. The 38 graduates are now highly trained Company Officers ready to take on leadership roles across the department.
Top-level department leadership were on hand to see the 38 students graduate, including Director Joe Tyler, Chief Deputy Director of Operations Anale Burlew and Cooperative Fire Protection Deputy Director Matthew Sully, alongside numerous CAL FIRE Region and Unit Chiefs. Director Tyler administered the official oath to the graduating class.
Academy Rigor and Standards
The rigorous 10-week curriculum began with a four-week Firefighter Academy, immediately followed by a six-week Company Officer Academy. The Training Center maintains a high standard of excellence, particularly for those aspiring to achieve Top Academic Honors.
The comprehensive assessment for the class includes a total of 13 examinations:
- Six written examinations
- Six manipulative skills examinations
- One comprehensive final examination
Earning top academic distinction is demanding and requires near-perfect performance across the curriculum; a single error – such as one missed question on a written exam or one technical fault, like a “bumped cone” during a manipulative skills test – can disqualify a student from this prestigious recognition.
2026 Outlook
With all four training centers scheduled to be operating at full capacity, CAL FIRE notes that the agency is well-positioned to meet training requirements for 2026 and beyond.
