Community News
California shatters training records with 650 new CAL FIRE officers in 2025
by: CA Press Office
Published: November 24, 2025
SACRAMENTO...Governor Gavin Newsom celebrated the graduation of 38 CAL FIRE Company Officers from the Ione Training Center, the final class in a historic 2025 that saw California train over 650 Company Officers—shattering all previous records.
2025: A Milestone Year for Training
CAL FIRE has successfully trained over 650 new Company Officers in 2025 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.
This historic achievement underscores the department's consistent and sustained commitment to developing highly skilled, professional leaders to serve the State of California.
CAL FIRE 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,” said CAL FIRE Director and Fire Chief Tyler. “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 25-14 Graduation
CAL FIRE celebrates the graduation of this final cohort, 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.
Cal FIRE Chief Joe Tyler administered the oath to the graduating cadets.
California invests in wildfire response and prevention capabilities
The firefighters graduating today at the new training facility are yet another clear example of California’s investment in protecting communities up and down the state.
Since 2020, the state has doubled its investment in wildfire prevention and resilience efforts. California invested more than $2.5 billion in wildfire resilience, with an additional 1.5 billion to be allocated from the 2024 Climate Bond.
California invested $173 million for community-based wildfire projects to help California communities protect themselves from wildfires.
Governor Newsom recently announced that California joined the Northwest Wildland Fire Fighting Compact that expands the state’s mutual aid partners during major wildfire incidents from partners across the United States and Canada.
Photos:CAPressOffice