IONE, Calif. — The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire, on Friday celebrated the graduation of 39 new company officers from the Ione Training Center. 

This ceremony marks the successful completion of the intensive training for Fire Control Class 25-12, preparing the graduates for leadership roles across the state.

Top-level department leadership attended, including Director/Fire Chief Joe Tyler, Chief Deputy Director of Operations Anale Burlew and Cooperative Fire Protection Deputy Director Matthew Sully, alongside numerous Cal Fire Region and Unit Chiefs.

Director/Fire Chief Tyler delivered the keynote address and administered the official oath to the graduating class.

“Today we celebrate the achievement of Fire Control Class 25-12—a result of the commitment and focus these 39 officers maintained throughout their rigorous 10 weeks of training,” said Director/Fire Chief Tyler. “We also recognize the dedicated leadership of our training staff, whose efforts are essential in sustaining this record-setting pace for the future of Cal Fire.”

Setting a new benchmark in training capacity

With the graduation of Fire Control Class 25-12, Cal Fire has now trained over 575 new company officers in 2025. This robust training schedule is on track to surpass the goal of graduating more than 650 company officers by the end of the year, setting a new record for the Cal Fire Training Program.

This expanded capacity was made possible, in part, by the addition of the Atwater Training Center in July 2025 — the department’s fourth training location — which held its inaugural graduation ceremony on Oct. 24.

The critical role of the company officer

The Cal Fire company officer serves as the vital first-line supervisor and tactical field leader. 

Graduates from this standardized academy are now prepared to assume command and management responsibilities, directing the safe and effective deployment of crews and equipment during emergency incidents.

Beyond active emergencies, company officers are essential during non-emergency periods, leading crucial crew training, ensuring station readiness and directing fire prevention efforts such as defensible space inspections and public education initiatives.

Learn more about the Cal Fire Training Center.