Riverside County hosts record student turnout for fire careers expo

Almost 600 students from across Riverside County gather at the Ben Clark Public Safety Training Center on Tuesday morning to examine career options in the fire service.

The gathering marks the third annual Fire Careers Expo. Organizers report that the attendance figure represents the largest group of participants since the event launched in 2024. The event runs from 9 a.m. to noon at 16902 Bundy Ave.

County Fire Department Chief Robert Fish stated that many young people desire to help others but lack visibility into the specific jobs available within the department. He said the expo allows students to ask questions and begin planning their next steps. Fish noted that the department wants students to understand that the fire service accommodates a wide range of skills and interests.

Firefighters at the site will demonstrate protective gear and turnouts. They will also operate lifesaving tools and industrial equipment used during rescues and fires. Students will tour fire engines and participate in interactive exhibits. Organizers said students can ask questions at any time during the three-hour window.

A fire department statement explained that career paths in the field extend well beyond active firefighting. The statement listed emergency dispatch, equipment maintenance, information technology, and accounting as essential support roles.

County Superintendent of Schools Edwin Gomez said the partnership between schools and public safety officials helps students discover how their interests can lead to public service careers. He said learning about these opportunities can open doors to futures students had not previously imagined.

Training programs for these roles are available through several community colleges in the county. The event is reserved exclusively for students and is not open to the general public.