LOS ANGELES — Assemblymember Jessica Caloza (D–Los Angeles) announced a $10 million investment from the state in the California Firefighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee (Cal-JAC) at the Frank Hotchkin Memorial Training Center, joined by leaders from the California Professional Firefighters (CPF), Cal-JAC, local fire chiefs, firefighters, cadets, and local elected officials.

The historic investment, secured in this year’s state budget, will strengthen firefighter recruitment and training statewide, expanding access to pre-apprenticeship programs that prepare Californians to serve their communities. The funding will also help strengthen the pool of qualified candidates for local fire agencies and enhance the skills of existing firefighters.

“I’d like to thank the brave women and men who make up our fire service and first responders. Thank you to Speaker Robert Rivas, Budget Chair Jesse Gabriel, and Governor Gavin Newsom for their leadership in making this critical funding possible. California’s firefighters put their lives on the line every day to protect our families, homes, and neighborhoods,” said Assemblymember Caloza. “This investment ensures we’re not only honoring their service, but also preparing and training the next generation of firefighters who will carry on this life-saving work. Cal-JAC’s commitment to excellence makes our communities stronger and safer.”

The California Firefighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee is the largest firefighter apprenticeship program in the nation, jointly sponsored by the California Professional Firefighters and the California State Fire Marshal. Cal-JAC’s pre-apprenticeship program provides candidates with hands-on training, mentorship, and resources to successfully enter and advance in the fire service

“I want to thank Assemblymember Caloza and her colleagues in Sacramento for the vision and steadfast support of this critically important program in California,” added Yvonne de la Peña, Executive Director of Cal-JAC. “Our pre-apprenticeship program is unique in that it not only prepares the participant with the education and skills they need, but directly connects them to our statewide firefighter apprenticeship program. This pathway guarantees that training extends beyond the classroom, producing frontline firefighters who are fully prepared for the rigors of the job.”

“As a labor sponsor for Cal-JAC, CPF is grateful for the partnership of Assemblymember Jessica Caloza,” said Brian K. Rice, President of CPF. “This new funding will greatly expand the Cal-JAC ability to provide the highest possible quality of education, physical fitness training, skills instruction, and more.”

The event featured a ceremonial check presentation, remarks from Assemblymember Caloza and Cal-JAC leaders, and an opportunity for the media to meet firefighters in training.