The Colorado Springs Fire Department is proud to announce the reinstatement of the 2026 Fire Training Academy. The academy was previously slated for cancellation due to budget reductions.
Thanks to tax revenues from recreational marijuana, the academy is back on track and fully operational.
"Public safety is the foundation of a flourishing city, and today’s reinstatement announcement is a significant win for Colorado Springs,” said Mayor Yemi Mobolade. “This reflects our shared commitment - between my administration, City Council, and residents - to keep our community safe and well-served. Our fire department, led by the 2024 Fire Chief of the Year Randy Royal, continues to lead the nation with their training and professionalism, and this academy will ensure the next generation is equipped and ready to protect life and property across our growing city."
“Without this academy, we would have been well below our authorized staffing levels,” said Fire Chief Randy Royal. “I am grateful to Mayor Yemi and City Council for allocating these funds to ensure we can maintain the strength and readiness of our department. As your Fire Chief, I am committed to keeping our response times and staffing numbers where they need to be to serve our community with excellence.”
The 2026 Fire Training Academy welcomed 36 recruits from across Colorado and the world. These individuals will undergo a rigorous and competitive 18-week training program designed to prepare them for the diverse challenges of modern firefighting. The academy officially began on February 10, 2026.
Training will cover multiple disciplines, including:
- Structural Firefighting
- Wildland Fire Operations
- Hazardous Materials Response
- Emergency Medical Technician Refresher
- Driver/Operator-Pumper Certification
- And other specialized skills essential for firefighter readiness
The reinstatement of the academy underscores CSFD’s commitment to operational excellence. By investing in training and personnel, the department ensures that Colorado Springs remains prepared to respond effectively to emergencies and protect the community.