GCI Fire Academy Named Michigan Regional Training Center

FLINT, Michigan — The Genesee Career Institute (GCI) Fire Academy has been designated as a Michigan Regional Training Center (RTC), a distinction the Genesee Intermediate School District (GISD) says will expand opportunities for students pursuing fire-service careers while strengthening firefighter training and workforce development across Genesee County and the region.

The Michigan Fire Fighters Training Council unanimously approved GCI’s RTC designation on August 5, 2026. As a Regional Training Center, GCI can now provide pre-service firefighter training within the state’s approved framework, including conducting Firefighter I and II courses and examinations.

For GCI students, the designation creates a structured pathway from high school career and technical education into Michigan’s professional fire-service training and certification system. It also opens the door for GCI to expand its training offerings and collaborate with local fire departments, colleges, and other public-safety partners.

“This is a significant accomplishment for the GCI Fire Academy and will hopefully open doors to many great opportunities and partnerships in the future,” said Chief Wilkinson, Regional Fire Training Center and Course Manager.

With state authorization, the center may also offer additional Council-approved courses and specialty training to support the broader fire-service community.

“Having the GCI Fire Academy now approved as a RTC will enable the program to have an even bigger impact on getting more kids into the fire service,” said Chief Cairnduff of the City of Fenton Fire Department. “I am confident that this new designation will benefit all the departments in our County.”

Chief Bronson of the Clio Area Fire Authority echoed that sentiment, pointing to the value GCI already provides to future firefighters.

“We have seen firsthand the value GCI provides to our future firefighters, and I believe this designation will create even more opportunities for training, recruitment, and partnerships throughout Genesee County and the region,” Bronson said.