Cal Fire Sets Record for Company Officer Graduates

CALIFORNIA — Last week, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, known as Cal Fire, announced a historic milestone: more than 650 company officers graduated from its training centers in 2025, marking the highest number in a single year. A press release from the agency noted that the four training centers in Atwater, Ione, Redding, and Riverside now operate at full capacity. Officials opened the Atwater facility in July to address increasing demands for training programs.

“This milestone year of training represents our commitment to the future of CAL FIRE and the safety of California,” Fire Chief Joe Tyler said. Graduates of the program gain the skills needed to assume leadership positions throughout the department. Those roles involve supervising field operations, handling administrative responsibilities, and providing strategic guidance to teams during emergencies and routine duties.

Prospective company officers in Cal Fire undergo a rigorous ten-week training regimen that builds foundational and supervisory expertise. The curriculum starts with a four-week Firefighter Academy and continues directly into a six-week Company Officer Academy focused on advanced tactics and management. Participants must pass six written exams, six hands-on skills tests, and a final comprehensive evaluation to earn certification.