Giving Young Members Hands-On Firefighting Experience
The Spencerport Fire District held a two-day Junior Firefighter Mini Academy on August 10 and 11 at its Training Facility on Union Street, giving its youngest members the opportunity to spend part of their summer vacation learning valuable firefighting skills in a hands-on training environment.
The Mini Academy was designed to give Junior Firefighters a practical introduction to the skills, teamwork, and responsibilities that come with being a volunteer firefighter. Over two days, participants trained in water supply, fire behavior, ground ladder operations, and Stop the Bleed, along with other practical firefighting skills.
The academy concluded with a live vehicle fire burn, where Junior Firefighters observed the different stages of a vehicle fire and how fire behavior changes as the incident progresses. Under the close supervision of program leaders, they then put their training into practice and extinguished the vehicle fire themselves.
Throughout the Mini Academy, Junior Firefighters also tested their practical skills through training modeled after the New York State Firefighter Course Basic Exterior Firefighting Operations (BEFO). The experience gave them a chance to apply what they learned in a controlled environment while building confidence and learning the importance of working together as a team.
Beyond firefighting skills, the Mini Academy gave younger members something meaningful to do during their summer vacation, while letting them spend time at the firehouse, work alongside their peers, and learn from experienced department members.
Building the Next Generation of Firefighters
The Junior Firefighter Program is one of the Spencerport Fire District’s most important recruitment tools. Open to young people ages 14–17, the program introduces members to the fire service and helps them develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to become full members when they turn 18.
Rather than waiting until young people reach 18 to introduce them to the fire service, the Junior Firefighter program lets them start building that foundation years earlier. They learn what it means to work as part of a team, operate safely, train consistently, and serve their community.
The Mini Academy was another step in that process.
For these Junior Firefighters, the experience wasn’t just about learning how to operate equipment or extinguish a fire. It was about building confidence, developing practical skills, and preparing for the future.
“We are proud of the enthusiasm and effort our junior firefighters brought to the Mini Academy and grateful to the program leaders and members who dedicated their time to providing this experience,” said a SFD representative.
Today’s Junior Firefighters are tomorrow’s volunteer firefighters and the future of the Spencerport Fire District.
Learn more about SFD’s Junior Firefighter program at https://spencerportfire.org/juniorff/.
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