State Reaccredits Moreno Valley College Fire Academy Through 2030

The California State Fire Marshal and the State Board of Fire Services have reaccredited Moreno Valley College’s Regional Fire Academy for five years, a decision made through State Fire Training under the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Based at the Ben Clark Public Safety Training Center, the 16-week Basic Firefighter Academy prepares students for the Firefighter I certificate and provides credits applicable toward an associate degree. Students complete training in fire control, rescue, incident command, wildland firefighting, vehicle extrication, rapid intervention tactics, and firefighter safety and survival.

“Reaccreditation validates the quality and consistency of instruction our students receive,” said John Begg, Fire Technology associate faculty, Fire Academy coordinator, and a CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire captain. “Having spent decades in the fire service and working directly with recruits in the classroom and in the field, I know the importance of rigorous, consistent training. This recognition reflects the dedication of our instructors and the support of our public safety partners who help prepare students for careers in firefighting; it is the foundation for their safety and success in the fire service.”

California continues to face a firefighter shortage, particularly in the federal wildland ranks, where vacancy rates were reported at 35 percent in 2023. Programs such as Moreno Valley College’s Fire Academy help address this demand by preparing students for careers in fire service.

“This reaccreditation is not only important to our college, but also to the communities our graduates serve,” Begg said. “Every academy graduate represents an investment in public safety at a time when California needs it most.”

For more information about the Fire Academy, visit the program webpage.