CalFire celebrates first graduating class at new Atwater Training Center

Governor Gavin Newsom announced today the first graduating class of Company Officers at CalFire’s new Atwater Training Center. Thirty-eight firefighters completed the rigorous Company Officer Academy, earning promotion to Company Officer — CalFire’s frontline leaders in emergency response and crew development.

Located at the former Castle Air Force Base, the Atwater Training Center opened in July 2025 to meet growing training demands. The facility joins three other Training Centers in Ione, Redding and Riverside, expanding the CalFire Training Program’s capacity to run concurrent Fire Control Academies and specialized leadership, aviation and equipment operations training. The expansion was essential to accommodate the growth in CalFire’s permanent and seasonal staffing, prompted by the increasing intensity of fire activity in California.

“With every graduating class, California is expanding its world‑class firefighting force and preparing for the challenges of tomorrow,” said Newsom. “The new Atwater Training Center represents our state’s commitment to ensuring CalFire’s firefighters have the tools, training, and leadership to keep Californians safe in an era of evolving fire risk.”

Company Officers play a critical role in CalFire’s mission. They lead crews during emergencies, assume initial Incident Command, and oversee readiness, training, and fire prevention efforts during non-emergency periods. The academy prepares them for this leadership transition through standardized, statewide instruction.

With this graduating class, CalFire has trained more than 500 new Company Officers in 2025 and expects to surpass 650 by year’s end.

The ceremony concluded with a badge-pinning and oath administered by CalFire Director and Fire Chief Joe Tyler, who delivered the keynote address.

“The successful graduation of Fire Control Class 25-15 at the Atwater Training Center is a testament to CalFire’s enduring commitment to leadership excellence,” said Chief Joe Tyler. “These 38 new Company Officers have demonstrated the dedication, discipline, and skills required to lead in today’s dynamic emergency response environment.”