ANNETTE ZAPP
“I'm on a mission to make sure that every firefighter has the support they need to remain healthy and well throughout their career.”
Meet Annette Zapp, a biochemist turned strength and conditioning coach, sports nutritionist, and retired firefighter. As the founder of Fire Rescue Wellness, she is dedicated to enhancing the health and performance of first responders. She is now pursuing a Ph.D. in Health and Human Performance at Oklahoma State University under Dr. Jay Dawes.
ANNETTE’S JOURNEY INTO SPORTS
“I played limited sports growing up, but in my early 20s, I knew that health and fitness were an integral part of my life and a way I could help others live their best lives. I began teaching group exercise and personal training in college and left my first career of biochemistry to pursue training and coaching on a larger scale.”
FINDING HER CALLING IN COACHING
“After ten years in the fire service, I found myself burned out, unhappy, and feeling isolated and unfulfilled. Then I had the incredible opportunity to meet Jorge Carvajal, a legendary strength and conditioning coach and a fellow firefighter. His guidance not only revitalized my fire service career but also helped me realize my true calling: not coaching the general population, but coaching my people—firefighters.
Being a woman in male-dominated fields comes with its challenges and frustrations. For me, however, being a female firefighter who coaches other firefighters has been a rewarding experience. It’s not that I lack an ego, but rather that my ego doesn’t interfere with my work. This has allowed me to build trust and acceptance within the community, fostering smoother and more productive working relationships.”
MENTAL HEALTH IN THE FIRE SERVICE
“Mental health in the fire service is more readily discussed and addressed in the last decade. That said, upstream interventions such as education on sleep, nutrition, mental health services and physical fitness can help alleviate mental health crises in the first place.
Sharing your stories and challenges normalizes the conversation and opens the door for individuals to recognize they’re not alone. Conversations with peers, widespread and readily available social support, professional services, and attention to overall physical and mental health are all crucial. Vulnerability is a superpower!
Waiting until the last minute causes stress whether it's shopping for the perfect wedding dress or writing a term paper. The same thing applies to finding mental health professionals. Look for an ally NOW so that when you need mental health support, the relationship already exists. Go in for a "check up from the neck up" at least twice yearly!”
ANNETTE’S ADVICE FOR YOUNG WOMEN
“There is a place for us in this industry, and our voices matter. Be unapologetically authentic, pursue excellence with determination, and uplift other women as you rise. One of my favorite pieces of advice is inspired by two quotes: ‘When you have more than you need, build a longer table, not a higher fence,’ and ‘Your value doesn’t decrease based on someone’s inability to see your worth.’ I reframe it as: ‘Come to the table; we’ll make room—but please bring something to share.’”
