IONE, Calif. — The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) marked a major milestone in workforce development and operational readiness with the graduation of two specialized training programs at its Ione Training Center, recognizing new company officers and heavy fire equipment operators prepared to serve communities across California.
A total of 39 personnel graduated from Company Officer Academy (COA) Class 26-05, completing advanced leadership training designed to prepare firefighters for supervisory and command responsibilities within the department.
The graduation highlights CAL FIRE’s continued expansion of leadership development programs throughout the state. In 2019, the department conducted its Company Officer Academies primarily through training centers in Ione and Riverside. Today, CAL FIRE operates training centers in Ione, Riverside, Redding and Atwater, significantly increasing its capacity to prepare future leaders for the fire service.
Department officials said the number of annual Company Officer Academies has grown from six in 2019 to a planned 15 academies in 2026. More than 3,300 company officers have graduated through the program during that period.
Following the leadership ceremony, the Ione Training Center recognized 13 graduates of Heavy Fire Equipment Operator (HFEO) Class 26-01.
The HFEO program provides specialized instruction in the operation, maintenance and repair of heavy equipment used in wildland firefighting, forest management and conservation projects. Graduates are trained to operate essential motorized equipment used in fire suppression and emergency response efforts while maintaining the mechanical readiness of critical firefighting resources.
Beyond these programs, CAL FIRE’s four training centers conduct a wide range of courses supporting the department’s all-hazards mission. While firefighter academies are conducted statewide to maintain operational readiness, the Ione Training Center serves as one of the department’s most comprehensive facilities, hosting firefighter academies, company officer training, heavy equipment operator instruction and the Regular Basic Course.
Training activities at CAL FIRE facilities include physical conditioning, hose deployment exercises, incident command simulations and fire behavior training in controlled environments. These programs are designed to develop the technical skills, decision-making abilities and leadership capabilities needed to respond to emergencies throughout California.
Department officials said the Company Officer Academy serves as a bridge between frontline firefighting experience and command leadership responsibilities, while the HFEO program provides specialized operators who support wildfire suppression and other emergency operations.
Graduates from both programs will return to units throughout California, where they will support CAL FIRE’s mission of protecting lives, property and natural resources. Based on the department’s release, the dual graduation reflects CAL FIRE’s continued investment in training, leadership development and statewide emergency preparedness.
Source: California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) media release, May 29, 2026.