Ben Clark Training Center

A Valued Partnership

BCTC is the result of a partnership between MVC, Riverside County Sheriff's Department, California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection, Riverside County Fire Department, California Highway Patrol, and Riverside County Probation Department.

History

For nearly 70 years, the Riverside Community College District has orchestrated public safety training and education opportunities in conjunction with community partners. In November of 1995, BCTC was made possible by the realignment of March Air Force Base. The Joint Powers Authority set aside acreage in the western portion of the base as a means to create a Riverside County Sheriff's Training Academy. The area encompassed nearly 400 acres and included buildings and facilities which were home to the former non–commissioned Officers Academy and the 15th Air Force Headquarters.

Today's vision for a public safety education center was realized when the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (now CALFIRE)/Riverside County Fire Department entered into a formal alliance with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department at the time March Air Force Base was being realigned from an active military base to a reserve base. The location was designated the Ben Clark Public Safety Training Center by resolution of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors on September 24, 1996. CALFIRE/Riverside County Fire Department and Riverside County Sheriff's Department training programs were moved to the BCTC with a facility management team with key representatives from each agency in order to provide oversight and direction.