Our Mission

Founded in 1970, the California Fire Mechanics Academy (CFMA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the training and professional development of fire apparatus mechanics and emergency vehicle technicians (EVTs). For more than five decades, CFMA has been the nation’s leading academy of its kind, ensuring that the vehicles our first responders rely on are safe, reliable, and ready when lives are on the line.

Our Mission

CFMA exists to equip emergency vehicle technicians with the knowledge, skills, and certifications they need to keep fire apparatus and specialized equipment in peak condition. By blending hands-on training with classroom instruction, we prepare technicians to meet the highest standards of safety, compliance, and operational excellence.

Governance

As a nonprofit, CFMA is governed by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors made up of fire service professionals and experienced mechanics. Their leadership ensures that the Academy remains mission-driven, accessible, and focused on serving the fire service community rather than profit.  The CFMA offers a variety of courses across multiple certification levels, from apparatus familiarization to advanced systems and management.  All certification courses are recognized through California State Fire Training (SFT), ensuring consistency and credibility.  Students can pursue Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) certifications, a recognized credential that validates their expertise.

Each spring, CFMA hosts its flagship training event, drawing 200+ students throughout the state and from across the U.S. and beyond, providing over 50 years of service to the fire service community.  Thousands of technicians receive training, many of whom have gone on to leadership roles in maintenance and fleet management.  A growing network of instructors, departments, and industry partners committed to excellence in emergency vehicle maintenance.

The California Fire Mechanics Academy is more than a training program — it’s a community of professionals dedicated to supporting the fire service through education, certification, and collaboration. Since 1970, our focus has remained the same: to ensure that every fire apparatus technician has the tools, training, and confidence to keep emergency vehicles safe and ready to serve.