On Friday, Oct. 24, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the first graduating class of Company Officers at Cal Fire’s new Atwater Training Center. Thirty-eight firefighters completed the rigorous Company Officer Academy, earning promotion to Company Officer—Cal Fire’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 Cal Fire 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 Cal Fire’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 Governor Newsom. “The new Atwater Training Center represents our state’s commitment to ensuring Cal Fire’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 Cal Fire’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, Cal Fire has trained over 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 Cal Fire 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 Cal Fire’s enduring commitment to leadership excellence,” said Chief Tyler. “These 38 new Company Officers have demonstrated the dedication, discipline, and skills required to lead in today’s dynamic emergency response environment.”