The California Fire Mechanics are busy making preparations for the annual emergency apparatus technician professional development and technical training academy!

Last year, the CFMA welcomed the California Fire Chiefs Association, State Fire Training, the United States Forest Service Wildland Fire Training & Conference Center, American River College Public Safety Training Center, and the Sacramento Metro Fire District as partners in bringing the annual academy to Sacramento, California. Working together ensures the highest quality location and program for firefighters and emergency apparatus technicians from throughout the country. We are pleased that McClellan Park in Sacramento will once again host the Academy.

After 38 years of operation, the California Fire Mechanics Academy, Inc. is the oldest and largest emergency apparatus repair and maintenance training opportunity of its kind in the country. The very first academy was held at the LeBaron Hotel in San Diego, California. At that time, it was called the Fire Service Mechanics Workshop and offered six classes for the entire week. There were a total of 119 registered participants in this first academy. Today the Academy offers up to 50 classes to choose from each year ranging from beginning theory classes through State Fire Mechanic Certification and Re-certification classes. Attendance averages approximately 400 students from throughout the United States. From its inception, the CFMA has been under the leadership and direction of individuals from throughout the state volunteering their time to train emergency maintenance personnel.

The California Fire Mechanics Academy offers a wide array of multi-level workshops, hands-on training and in-depth technical classes designed to accommodate all skill levels in the field of fire apparatus and equipment maintenance and repair. The curriculum is constantly updated to reflect the latest technology innovations as well as current laws and regulations. The CFMA prepares students for certification from the State of California, the Emergency Vehicle Technician Certification Commission, and Automotive Service Excellence. Instruction is provided by experienced fire service instructors, factory technicians, community college instructors and experts in specific areas to provide the unique and diversified training required for emergency apparatus technicians.

In addition to classes, the Academy hosts an emergency equipment exhibition during the week. This provides the apparatus and equipment manufacturers the opportunity to network with the technicians on a personal level to answer questions and showcase the latest state-of-the-art fire apparatus, equipment and related products. CFMA has been joined by the California Fire Service Vendors Association to expand the show to two days and will be open free of charge to any department personnel wishing to attend. The EXPO will be at the Garden Pavilion Building at McClellan Park located at 5640 Dudley Avenue, Sacramento, CA on Wednesday March 19, 2008 and Thursday, March 20, 2008 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm..

This is the only emergency vehicle and equipment exhibition scheduled for Northern California and everyone is welcome! The California Fire Mechanics Academy is pleased to offer three tuition scholarships each year. For further Academy information, please contact Diane vanRuiten in the CFMA Administrative Office at 916.727.7019