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Training and Fire Academy

Photo of firefighters training

The Training and Safety Division is responsible for the education and professional development of San Diego Fire-Rescue Department employees. The Division also provides incident safety response, investigation and prevention programs related to accidents and injuries within the organization.

Some of the daily tasks of the Training and Safety Division include:

  • Overseeing the Fire Academy
  • Providing major incident firefighter safety response
  • Managing the Regional Public Safety Training Institute facility
  • Providing in-service training
    • Continuing education needs
    • Course development
  • Providing driver training
    • Commercial licensing
    • Fire apparatus and ambulances
  • Providing training support to Lifeguard Services
  • Providing continuing professional development
  • Providing liaison instructors to other City departments

Photo of firefighters training

The Training and Safety Division consists of:

  • A Battalion Chief who serves as the Training and Safety Officer. This individual is responsible for day-to-day operations and long range planning of the Training and Safety Division.
  • Three Captains are assigned to specific areas of responsibility.
  • A Captain and an Engineer are assigned to manage the Fire Academy as the need arises.

The Regional Public Safety Training Institute (RPSTI), located at 4347 North Harbor Drive near downtown San Diego, is a joint venture of regional law enforcement and the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.

It is the host site for military, federal, state and local training classes and events, including the following organizations:

  • U.S. Navy SEALS
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation
  • Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms
  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection
  • California Highway Patrol
  • Various law enforcement K-9 and SWAT teams
  • California Office of Emergency Services (OES)
  • National Fire Academy off-campus classes
  • Professional development training and seminar providers

The Training & Safety Facility includes:

  • A drill ground
  • A confined space training site
  • A hazardous materials training site including tank railroad cars and overturned tanker trailers

The facility is also home to:

  • The Federal Emergency Management Administration's California Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 8
  • Miramar College Fire Technology and Emergency Medical Technician programs