The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), California Conservation Corps (CCC) and California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) have developed an enhanced firefighter training and certification program at the Ventura Training Center (VTC), located in Ventura County. Trainees are former offenders on parole who have recently been part of a trained firefighting workforce housed in fire camps or institutional firehouses operated by CAL FIRE and CDCR.
Members of the CCC are also eligible to participate.
VTC provides advanced firefighter training, certifications and job readiness support to create a pathway for former offenders to compete for entry-level firefighting jobs with state, federal and local agencies.
A maximum of 80 parolee participants are housed at VTC at any one time. Participants are fully available to assist in fire suppression, emergency incident response, and fire prevention and
resource management work in any community.
CDCR parole agents are on duty at VTC on a daily basis. The nonprofit Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC) provides life skills
training and resources, including education and employment assistance, and community service referrals.