Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to explore the implementation evaluation of the Blueprint 2020 document that provides direction for the future of state fire training and certification processes in California. Tied to this research is whether the prerequisite courses in fire academy programs at 2-year community colleges in California add to student efficacy.Theoretical Framework. The theoretical framework of this study is based on the research foundations of cooptation theory (Selznick, 1949) and action research theory. Diffusion of innovation theory (Rogers, 2003) was also utilized. Policy capture was explored.Methodology. Utilizing action research and Love's (2004) implementation evaluation model, a qualitative methodology was used. The researcher used empirical and secondary data to evaluate the California State Fire Marshal's (CSFM) Blueprint 2020 document and the use of prerequisites in regional fire academies in California.Findings. The examination of the California state fire Blueprint 2020 document, secondary and archival data from California community colleges, and related empirical data from multiple sources provided significant information to this research. There are 4 findings from this study. First, policy capture was neither part of nor embedded in the Blueprint 2020 scope. Second, the policy cooptation was utilized and effective in the development of the Blueprint 2020 documents. Third, the use of prerequisites above the mandated CSFM prerequisite courses identified in the 2013 and 2019 curriculum from the state are a function of the community colleges' actions, not the CSFM. Fourth, the implementation evaluation and the process of review indicate that many goals and objectives were met while others are still in need of modification.Recommendations. The study data support recommendations that can be concentrated in the following areas of specialization: (a) the new strategic plan, when developed and released, can be compared to the Blueprint 2020 plan and reveals insight to the effectiveness of new goals and objectives for California state fire training and delivery system; (b) the need to study additional fire academy programs that are to be approved in the future and compare with existing programs; (c) to survey fire administrators, instructors, and cadets/students about the effectiveness of the fire training delivery system in California as it relates to prerequisite usage, costs, length, and quality of fire academy programs.