The History and Evolution of College Fire Science and Technology Programs

College Fire Science programs in California have their roots in the 1950's. In the case of Marin and Sonoma Counties, the programs began in the 1960's. We have two pages in this section that cover the evolution of the offerings. While the College of Marin program would eventually end with a round of financial difficulties experienced by the school, the Santa Rosa program thrived and became the north Bay Area center for fire training and education. To this day there continues to be a joint advisory committee to SRJC that includes representatives from both Counties.

Sausalito FD Division Chief Fred Bunker, now retired, in front of a fire service career development display at a Marin County Fire Prevention Days event held at the Corte Madera Town Center in the 1990's. This display included information on College of Marin and Santa Rosa Junior College programs. Fred would later go on the head up the Fire Technology programs at Santa Rosa. Photo courtesy of Tom Forster.