Desert-area high school students to connect with CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire to experience hands-on fire training and learn about breadth of career opportunities
INDIO, CA – With increased wildfire activity in California, the need for well-trained fire service professionals continues to grow. Hundreds of high school seniors from across the Coachella Valley and beyond are set to experience a hands-on opportunity to explore the many facets of careers within the fire service, pathways to training, and opportunities in public safety.
Multiple local agencies are teaming up to host the second Fire Careers Expo at the Indio Fairgrounds (46350 Arabia Street, Gate 4, Indio) from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
The event is a partnership between the Riverside County Office of Education, CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire, Riverside County District 4 Supervisor V. Manuel Perez, College of the Desert, and Moreno Valley College.
Highlights from the expo will include:
- Trying on firefighter turnout gear
- Climbing an aerial ladder truck
- Live demonstrations
- Meeting fire chiefs and fire service professionals
- Educator seminar highlighting career pathway information to share with students
“We received outstanding feedback from more than 500 students and educators following last year’s event in Riverside, so expanding the opportunity to the Coachella Valley is a meaningful next phase of our partnership,” said Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin Gomez. “Together, we have the ability to change the lives of Riverside County students. This exposure to the variety of fire service positions available immediately following graduation has the ability to lead to long-term career opportunities for our students.”
“The fire service is more than a job, it’s a calling. By opening our doors and giving students the chance to see, touch, and experience this profession firsthand, we are investing in the future of public safety in Riverside County and beyond,” said Fire Chief Bill Weiser. “Events like this expo not only showcase the many pathways into fire service careers but also inspire the next generation to serve their communities with leadership, competence, and integrity.
About CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department
The CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department serves and safeguards the people and communities of Riverside County through prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. As California’s largest contract county fire department, CAL Fire/Riverside County Fire provides all-risk emergency services, including fire protection, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response, and rescue operations across more than 7,200 square miles. In a cooperative agreement with CAL FIRE, 20 city governments, and multiple local agencies, the department staffs nearly 100 fire stations and protects more than 2.5 million residents. Guided by core values of leadership, competence, integrity, safety, and customer service, CAL/Riverside County Fire is committed to building resilient communities and preparing the next generation of public safety professionals.
About the Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE)
RCOE is a service agency supporting the county’s 23 school districts and 500+ schools that serve nearly 430,000 students—more than the student population of 17 states. RCOE services include administrative support to districts and charter schools, programs for preschool, special education, pregnant minor, correctional, migrant, and vocational students. In addition, the organization provides professional training, support, and resources for more than 18,000 teachers, administrators, and staff, throughout the 7,000 square miles of Riverside County.
