OGDEN, N.Y. – The Spencerport Fire District recently wrapped up a two-day Junior Firefighter Mini Academy, held on August 10 and 11, 2026, at our Training Facility, giving our youngest members the opportunity to spend part of their summer vacation learning valuable firefighting skills in a hands-on training environment. Watch 13 WHAM’s coverage on the Mini Academy here.
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 the course of two days, participants took part in training covering 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 had the opportunity to observe the different stages of a vehicle fire and see 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 put their practical skills to the test through training modeled after the New York State Firefighter course Basic Exterior Firefighting Operations (BEFO). The experience provided them with an opportunity to apply what they learned in a controlled environment while building confidence and learning the importance of working together as a team.
Beyond the firefighting skills, the Mini Academy provided our younger members with something meaningful to do during their summer vacation while allowing them to spend time at the firehouse, work alongside their peers and learn from experienced members of the department.
Building the Next Generation of Firefighters
The Spencerport Fire District’s Junior Firefighter Program is one of our most important recruitment tools. Open to young people ages 14–17, the program is designed to introduce members to the fire service and help them develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to eventually become full members when they turn 18.
Rather than simply waiting until young people reach the age of 18 to introduce them to the fire service, the Junior Firefighter program allows them to begin 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.
Today’s Junior Firefighters are tomorrow’s volunteer firefighters and the future of the Spencerport Fire District.
Learn more about our Junior Firefighter program here.
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