Training the next generation of firefighters

Junior fire academy recruits use a fire hose at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., July 29, 2026. Recruits were 9th through 12th grade students who learned about firefighting careers and how to deploy and handle spraying water with increasing water pressure. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Matthew Almazan)

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Training the next generation of firefighters

A junior fire academy recruit drags a training dummy out of a building at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., July 29, 2026. The 87th Civil Engineer Squadron fire and emergency services designed workshops and drills to build competency and confidence for the 9th through 12th grade students. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Matthew Almazan)

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Training the next generation of firefighters

Junior fire academy recruits load a ladder onto a fire engine at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., July 29, 2026. Students in grades 9 -12 learned about firefighting careers and participated in drills. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Matthew Almazan)

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Training the next generation of firefighters

Members of the 87th Civil Engineer Squadron fire and emergency services assist a junior fire academy recruit with putting on the self-contained breathing apparatus at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., July 29, 2026. The 87th CES firefighters issued the recruits, 9th through 12th grade students, full gear just as a certified firefighter would wear. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Matthew Almazan)

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Training the next generation of firefighters

A junior fire academy recruit puts on a self-contained breathing apparatus at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., July 28, 2026. The recruits, 9th through 12th grade students, were asked to step outside their comfort zones and challenge themselves to learn new skills. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Matthew Almazan)

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Training the next generation of firefighters

A junior fire academy recruit places their gear down at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., July 27, 2026. The academy offered 9th through 12th grade students an opportunity to explore firefighting careers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Matthew Almazan)

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Training the next generation of firefighters

Published Aug. 12, 2026
By Airman 1st Class Matthew Almazan
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Junior fire academy recruits use a fire hose at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., July 29, 2026. Recruits were 9th through 12th grade students who learned about firefighting careers and how to deploy and handle spraying water with increasing water pressure. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Matthew Almazan)