FIRE Department Services

At Firefighter Strength Coach, I work with departments to enhance health, performance, and career longevity through practical, fire service-specific solutions.

From engaging workshops to hands-on training and department-wide programs, everything I offer is designed to meet the unique demands of firefighters. Let’s make it easier for your crew to stay strong, capable, and ready for anything.

Speaking Engagements

Looking for a speaker who understands the fire service? I deliver presentations on impactful topics like sleep optimization, injury prevention, training protocols, and the role of yoga in managing stress. Every session is tailored to meet your department’s needs, with actionable strategies your department’s firefighters can apply immediately.

Coaching Workshops

Some lessons are best learned by moving. I specialize in hands-on workshops that are simple, practical, and focused on improving job-specific movement patterns. From group workouts and yoga sessions, to specific exercise deep dives to conditioning sets, I ensure every firefighter—regardless of fitness level—feels capable of implementation. A popular option is the low back health workshop, which addresses one of the most injury-prone areas in the fire service with strategies to strengthen, protect, and maintain this vital part of the body for an entire career.

Peer Fitness Trainer Education

Empowering your department to lead from within is one of the most effective ways to improve department health and performance. These educational sessions develop more depth in skills like movement cueing and biomechanics to improve exercise safety and effectiveness, as well as programming strategies to build resilience against common injuries. By incorporating a holistic approach, your trainers will be equipped to make a measurable impact on health and performance across the department. By learning to adjust to the movement mechanics and needs of the individuals, your peer fitness trainer will be able to provide enhanced training to each firefighter.

Department Training Programs

Physical training for an entire department needs to be inclusive, effective, and aligned with the unique demands of firefighting. With a proven track record, I create programs designed to engage everyone, from recruits to seasoned firefighters, while addressing common injuries and building job-specific strength. Whether it’s a tailored academy program or ongoing department support, I’m here to help your firefighters train smarter.

Ready to take the next step? Email me today, and let’s create a plan that works for your department.

WHAT OTHERS HAVE TO SAY

  • “Vanessa is THE expert for firefighter fitness and wellness! My department recently hired her for a female first responder wellness event, and she knocked it out of the park! Vanessa understands the time and energy constraints first responders face when getting fit. She is well-spoken, timely, and has a sarcastic sense of humor guaranteed to engage firefighters. Vanessa can balance lecture and hands-on training flawlessly. I highly recommend her as a speaker for your next event!”

    —Megan Lautz, Dietitian for Fairfax County Fire and Police

  • “Vanessa Frost-Piedrahita is the real deal. With a background in both collegiate strength and conditioning and Olympic weightlifting, she has the expertise to coach any population. Her humility, meticulous attention to detail, and commitment to developing sustainable programs and systems make her particularly successful as a fire service coach. VFP is an exceptional communicator, skilled public speaker, and asset to any organization lucky enough to work with her.”

    —Annette Zapp, MA, CSDS*D, CISSN, Owner: Fire Rescue Wellness

  • “She has taken a rare job opportunity and created a lasting legacy that no one could have predicted. Through her guidance I have been set on a fitness path that keeps me able to do what can be an incredibly demanding job. Through her presentations I am reminded of what taking care of your body both physically and mentally can do for your long term health. And through her presence I am reminded of what it is like to be rewarded with someone who believes in what you are capable of. She regularly reminds us of the tools that she has provided us for injury prevention, stress management and recovery techniques that keep us on the job.”

    —Jeremy Meglasson, Lieutenant

  • “I have had the privilege of working with Vanessa for over six years, during which time she has consistently impressed me with her expertise, work ethic, and dedication to improving health and wellness for the Fire Service. She brings unparalleled knowledge and capabilities to her role. She transforms organizational health and wellness problems into actionable and pragmatic strategies. Her ability to organize and analyze data, along with her meticulous attention to detail in editing technical specifications, has been instrumental in our research efforts on the health of firefighters.”

    —Mike Connor, Front Line Mobile Health