Riverside Fire Department Hosts Largest Career Expo Yet

Riverside County Fire Department Chief Robert Fish said the third annual Fire Careers Expo will bring nearly 600 students to the Ben Clark Public Safety Training Center on Tuesday.

The event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon at the facility located at 16902 Bundy Avenue. Organizers described the attendance figure as the largest since the program began in 2024.

County Superintendent of Schools Edwin Gomez stated that the partnership connects students with public safety professionals. He noted that exploring these roles can reveal career paths students might not have previously considered after high school.

Firefighters will demonstrate turnouts and other protective gear during the visit. Crews will also show how they use lifesaving tools and industrial equipment for rescues and fires. The demonstrations include engine tours and interactive exhibits where students can ask questions throughout the morning.

The fire department said the career paths extend beyond traditional firefighting duties. Roles in emergency dispatch, equipment maintenance, information technology, and accounting are also represented at the event.

Fish explained that the expo allows students to explore these opportunities and plan their next steps. He added that the goal is for students to understand that a wide range of skills and interests can serve the community.

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