City of Long Beach Opens Applications for Third Cohort of Long Beach Fire Corps Program

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PRESS RELEASE

Above: The 2025 Long Beach Fire Corps Program cohort.

Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach Department of Economic Development & Opportunity (EDO), in partnership with the Long Beach Fire Department (Fire Department), is now accepting applications for the third cohort of its Long Beach Fire Corps Program (Program). The Program provides young people ages 18 to 30 with hands-on work experience within the Fire Department along with professional training opportunities. Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply online through Monday, Oct. 26, 2026.

"The Long Beach Fire Corps is a powerful example of what happens when the City continues to invest boldly in our young people," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "By opening the doors of the Long Beach Fire Department, we are giving youth an opportunity to see themselves in public service, gain firsthand experience, and build the skills and confidence they need to pursue their goals. By investing in our youth, we are cultivating the next generation of leaders who will serve, protect, and help shape the future of our community."

Led by EDO's Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network (LBWIN) Youth Career Services Center, the Program offers a seven-month course consisting of paid work experience, monthly workshops and professional trainings such as CPR certification and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. Interns will work within the Fire Prevention Bureau's Community Services Division to support communications-related activities and special events, including the annual Spark of Love Toy Drive and Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. Participants will be compensated $22 per hour for a maximum of 450 hours. Priority will be given to Long Beach residents. Additional information regarding eligibility and requirements is available on the Program webpage.

To support prospective applicants, EDO will host a virtual information session on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, from 10 to 10:30 a.m.

"The Fire Corps Program allows us to invest directly in the next generation of public servants," said Long Beach Fire Chief Dennis Buchanan. "Participants work alongside our team, contribute to meaningful community programs and learn how many different people and professions are needed to support a strong and effective fire department."

The Program's first two cohorts consisted of a combined total of 33 participants. Additionally, eight participants secured employment with the Fire Department upon successful completion of the internship.

"We're proud to work alongside the Fire Department to offer young people a unique opportunity to experience what it means to serve their community," said EDO Director Bo Martinez. "Through this internship, participants will learn from those who serve on the front lines and gain experiences that will help inspire and prepare them for a future in public safety and service."

For additional information about the Program, the public may contact Reza Perl, Youth Programs Specialist, at 562.570.4577 or [email protected]. To learn more about youth employment services, those interested may visit longbeach.gov/youthservices.

About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. For more information about the Long Beach Department of Economic Development & Opportunity, visit longbeach.gov/edo, follow on Facebook, X and Instagram. Stay up to date on business news by signing up for the City's Business Brief.

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