Student Fire Careers Expo Connects Riverside County High School Students with Fire Service Opportunities

RIVERSIDE — Students feeling the heat of an undecided future after high school may not be aware of the wide range of open positions and professional opportunities available in a fire service career.

To help students explore their options, CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department and the Riverside County Office of Education will welcome nearly 600 high school students to hands-on learning experiences at the third annual Student Fire Careers Expo on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at the Ben Clark Training Center in Riverside (16902 Bundy Avenue, Riverside).

Organizers anticipate the largest student turnout in the event’s history, with this year’s outreach focused on students enrolled in public sector and Career Technical Education (CTE) programs.

Activities throughout the day will introduce students to the wide range of careers that support fire protection and emergency services, helping them connect their classroom learning with opportunities to serve their communities. Career pathways extend beyond firefighting to include emergency dispatch, equipment maintenance, information technology, accounting, and other essential support roles.

The annual event brings students together with fire service professionals to learn about career requirements, training options, and pathways into the workforce. This year’s focus on public sector and CTE programs will help students explore how their interests and developing skills can translate into future careers.

“For students considering what comes after high school, learning about the wide range of fire service opportunities can open the door to a future they never imagined,” said Riverside County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin Gomez. “Our strong partnerships allow us to connect students with the professionals who protect our communities, helping them discover how their interests can lead to meaningful careers in public service.”

“Students may know they want to help others without knowing how many career opportunities exist within the fire service,” said Fire Chief Robert Fish. “This expo gives them a chance to explore those opportunities, ask questions and begin planning their next steps. We want students to leave knowing there is a place for a wide range of skills and interests in serving our communities.”

The first expo took place in Riverside in 2024, followed by a second event in Indio in 2025. The event will feature interactive activities with equipment and fire demonstrations, opportunities to try on firefighter protective gear, conversations with fire service professionals, and information about education and training programs.

Returning to Riverside for its third year, the expo continues to build connections between local students, educators, and the professionals who provide essential public safety services. Key event partners include CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department, Moreno Valley College Firefighter Academy, and College of the Desert Fire Science and Services.

Event Details

What: Third Annual Student Fire Careers Expo

Who: 600+ high school students, Riverside County Office of Education, CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department

When: Tuesday, November 3, 2026, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Where: Ben Clark Training Center, 16902 Bundy Avenue, Riverside, CA 92518

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. Learn more at www.rcoe.us.

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 FIRE/Riverside County Fire is committed to building resilient communities and preparing the next generation of public safety professionals.