Merced College Secures $1.5 Million for Fire Training Facility Expansion

July 1, 2026

By James Leonard

Merced College has secured $1.5 million in federal funding to support the expansion of its fire training facilities at the Hawk Regional Training Center, advancing efforts to strengthen workforce development and public safety across the region.

Awarded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Project Funding program, the funding will support Phase II development of the training center and was secured with the support of Senator Adam Schiff.

Located on Hawk Drive in south Merced, the Hawk Regional Training Center serves as a regional hub for fire service training. Phase I of the project established the site’s foundational infrastructure, including grading, access, and initial training components. Phase II will expand the facility’s capacity and enhance hands-on training opportunities for students and current fire professionals.

“This federal investment represents an important step forward for Merced College and the communities we serve,” said Merced College President Chris Vitelli. “By advancing the Hawk Regional Training Center, we are strengthening our ability to prepare students for careers in public safety while supporting the long-term resilience of our region. We are grateful for the support that made this funding possible and look forward to continuing this work.”

Merced College is currently working in coordination with the Merced Fire Department to finalize project plans and next steps. Implementation is expected to move forward as planning and procurement processes are completed.

The expansion will significantly enhance the college’s fire programs by increasing access to real-world training environments and supporting continued collaboration with local fire agencies.

“This project will expand hands-on training opportunities for our students and better align our programs with the needs of local fire agencies,” said Joe Serena, Dean of Allied Health and Public Safety. “By increasing access to real-world training environments, we are helping students build the skills and experience needed to enter the workforce and serve their communities, while reinforcing our role in supporting public safety preparedness.”

Merced Fire Chief Casey Wilson emphasized the importance of the project for the region’s fire service.

“This investment in the Hawk Regional Training Center is a major win for public safety and workforce development throughout our region,” Wilson said. “Merced College, under the leadership of President Chris Vitelli, has demonstrated a strong commitment to building innovative partnerships and expanding opportunities for the next generation of firefighters and first responders.

“The City of Merced Fire Department is proud to continue our strong partnership with Merced College as we work together to provide high-quality, hands-on training that will benefit our community for years to come.”

Merced College’s fire programs, which recently earned State Fire Training accreditation, serve students at multiple stages of their careers, including those preparing to enter the field and current professionals seeking to advance their skills.

The Hawk Regional Training Center is expected to play a key role in expanding access to high-quality training and supporting the region’s long-term public safety and workforce needs.

For information on the Fire Technology program, visit the Merced College website.