Riverside Fire Careers Expo: 600 Students Tour Station

Riverside County Fire Department Chief Robert Fish announced that the county will host its third annual Fire Careers Expo this Tuesday at the Ben Clark Public Safety Training Center. The event will run from 9 a.m. to noon at 16902 Bundy Ave. and is expected to draw nearly 600 students from across the county. This attendance figure marks the largest turnout since the expo's inception in 2024.

The program aims to show students the variety of job titles available beyond the traditional role of a firefighter. Fish stated that students often know they want to help others but may not realize the depth of career options within the fire service. He noted that the expo allows attendees to explore these opportunities and begin planning their next steps. The department wants students to understand that a wide range of skills and interests can contribute to serving the community.

County Superintendent of Schools Edwin Gomez emphasized the value of these professional connections for students deciding on post-high school paths. He said that learning about the breadth of fire service jobs can open doors to futures students might not have imagined. Gomez credited strong partnerships between the school district and the fire department for facilitating these interactions.

Organizers listed several hands-on activities for the visitors. Firefighters will display turnout gear and other protective equipment. They will also demonstrate lifesaving tools and industrial machinery used during rescues and fires. Engine tours are part of the schedule, along with various other demonstrations. Some exhibits will be interactive, giving students the chance to ask questions throughout the morning.

A statement from the fire department outlined specific career pathways that extend beyond active firefighting. These roles include emergency dispatch, equipment maintenance, information technology, and accounting. The department highlighted these essential support functions to show the diversity of the workforce. Training programs for these positions are available through several community colleges in the county.

The event is reserved exclusively for students and will not be open to the general public. This restriction ensures that the focus remains on educational interaction between the crews and the attendees. The expo serves as a direct link between local high schools and public safety professionals.

The next step for interested students is to engage with the professionals present during the morning session. The department has structured the day to facilitate direct communication. Students will have multiple opportunities to discuss specific job requirements and training timelines with department staff.