Goodfellow AFB Hosts Junior Firefighter Camp 2026

Published July 20, 2026
By Airman 1st Class Maria Mota
17th Training Wing Public Affairs

GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --

The Goodfellow Fire Department hosted its Junior Firefighter Camp, July 13 - 17, 2026.

This is a five-day program that teaches children ages 10 –12 the importance of fire safety and the fundamentals of firefighting through hands-on training, team-building activities, and emergency response scenarios.

“About 20 years ago, we started the junior firefighter camp as a way to educate children about fire safety and give them an understanding of what we do as firefighters,” stated Alan Hebert, Goodfellow Fire Emergency Services deputy fire chief. “What we’ve decided to do is expose them to a little bit of each area of life safety, fire safety, and technical rescue.”

On the first day, students received a welcome orientation and an overview of the week's activities, highlighting the importance of fire safety and the foundational skills used in everyday firefighting. First aid was the first official lesson taught to students. They learned basic lifesaving techniques and how to help in an emergency.

Goodfellow AFB Hosts Junior Firefighter Camp 2026

Dalton Silva, junior firefighter, participates in a first aid demonstration during the Junior Firefighter Camp, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, July 13, 2026. Junior firefighters are taught basic lifesaving techniques and emergency response skills, preparing them to confidently apply what they learned at home, at school, or wherever an emergency may occur. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Maria Mota)

On the second day, students were issued protective equipment and learned the importance of properly wearing and maintaining their gear before participating in hands-on training. Students then received instruction on the safe use of rescue tools, completed bunker gear drills and practiced ascending and descending ladders using proper techniques.

Day three focused on teaching students the importance of proper tie-knotting techniques and how they play a big part in firefighters' emergency operations. Students, through hands-on instruction, practiced using these techniques and learned their importance in securing equipment and constructing rigging systems for rescue operations.

On the fourth day, students had hands-on instruction in hose-handling techniques that helped with water-stream control and maneuvering to knock over traffic cones. Students also participated in search and rescue drills, where they had the opportunity to dress in protective gear and enter a building with limited visibility created by a fog machine simulating smoke conditions. This exercise allowed students to experience a realistic introduction to firefighting in a controlled and safe environment.

Goodfellow AFB Hosts Junior Firefighter Camp 2026

Goodfellow firefighters and junior firefighters pose for a picture on the last day of Junior Firefighter Camp, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, July 17, 2026. This five-day program teaches children ages 10 –12 the importance of fire safety and the fundamentals of firefighting through hands-on training, team-building activities, and emergency response scenarios. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Maria Mota)

The fifth and final day concluded with a tour around the Louis F. Garland Department of War Fire Academy. Students were able to see firsthand the training of DoW firefighter students participating in live training exercises. Reinforcing the importance of the knowledge they learned the past few days. Next, the junior firefighter campers were taken back to the Goodfellow AFB Fire Station, where their friends and families were waiting for their graduation ceremony.

“We’ve actually had some kids in the past that their families report to us that they were able to help with broken bones, they were able to help stop bleeds, things like that,” said D.J. Anchondo, Goodfellow Fire Emergency Services fire inspector. “We want them to go out and be able to apply this to real life, whether that is at home, at school with friends, anywhere.”

Goodfellow AFB Hosts Junior Firefighter Camp 2026

Neo Barton, junior firefighter, puts out a propane fire with a fire extinguisher during Junior Firefighter Camp, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, July 15, 2026. Students were taught the different types of fires and the importance of using the appropriate fire extinguishers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Maria Mota)

Goodfellow AFB Hosts Junior Firefighter Camp 2026

Neo Barton and Matthew Holyoak, junior firefighters, finish a search and rescue exercise during Junior Firefighter Camp, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, July 16, 2026. Students wore protective gear and completed a search and rescue drill in a smoke-simulated environment, providing a safe, realistic introduction to firefighting. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Maria Mota)

Goodfellow AFB Hosts Junior Firefighter Camp 2026

Goodfellow Fire Department Capt. Radhames Acosta, 17th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, demonstrates a ladder operation exercise during Junior Firefighter Camp, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, July 14, 2026. Students were shown and allowed to climb up and down the ladder using proper climbing techniques. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Maria Mota)