In this episode of The Forward Firefighter, I sit down with Adam Vapnar, a 19-year-old who is rapidly bridging the gap between being a high school cadet and a high-caliber fire service professional. Adam shares his journey from four years of rural cadet service in Northern Wisconsin to the rigorous Fire Protection Technician Program at Fox Valley Tech. We dive deep into the "student-firefighter" lifestyle, exploring how Adam balances the academic demands of fire science with the real-world operational realities of serving in a volunteer department. It is a masterclass for any young recruit looking to turn a passion into a career while still sitting in a classroom.

Beyond the textbooks and certifications, Adam explains why true growth happens in the "extra credit" of the fire service. From launching the Backseat Wisdom podcast to learn from industry giants, to surviving a grueling storage facility fire that redefined his view on functional fitness, Adam’s story is about the relentless pursuit of the "victim-first" mindset. We discuss why the next generation of the fire service must be willing to go above and beyond the minimum requirements to truly move the mission forward.

Adam's Bio:

Adam Vapnar is 19 years old and a dedicated follower of Christ, He is a 5 year student to the fire service and spent 4 of those years as a cadet between two rural volunteer fire departments in Northern Wisconsin. He is currently a volunteer Firefighter with the Woodruff Fire Department (WI), a Recruit with the Fox Crossing Fire Department (WI), a member of the Old Fashioned Fools, a student studying Fire Protection, and the host of the Backseat Wisdom podcast. He has written an article for CRACKYL magazine, focusing on the fire service as a young firefighter. Adam values functional fitness, training, and a victim-first mindset. 

Show Notes:

• Wodruff  WI Volunteer Fire Department

• Minocqua WI Fire & Rescue

• Fox Valley Technical College - Fire Protection Program

• The Backseat Wisdom Podcast