Adam Hernandez

Throughout my career, I had always been deeply passionate about training and development. As a former module leader, I had seen firsthand the need for improved training to establish a solid foundation for new Wildland Firefighting (WLF) employees. This realization fueled my decision to apply for the first-ever dedicated Wildland Fire Instructor role at Reedley College. I saw it as an opportunity to shape the perspective, attitude, and work ethic of the next generation of firefighters from the very start of their careers.

Reedley College’s new direction provided me with the freedom to build the type of training program I had always envisioned. With the support of many colleagues, agencies and the hard work of the RC-WLF staff, I am proud to say we are making great strides in advancing WLF workforce development. Our training approach focuses on physical fitness, practical skill development, field drills, and work hardening – all tailored to the demands of the job.

Foundations:

• US Hotshot Association
• Wildland Firefighter Foundation
• American Wildfire Experience & The Smokey Generation
• Grass Roots Wildland Firefighters

Accomplishments:

I began my career with the US Forest Service on the Stanislaus National Forest as part of a Type-2IA/Hotshot Crew on the Groveland Ranger District during the early 2000s MEL crew buildup. From 2002-2008, I worked with the newly formed Groveland Hotshots, progressing from a new crewmember to Squad Leader by 2008. In 2006, I was selected and had the opportunity to train at the USFS McCall Smokejumper base in Idaho. Though I only spent one season as a smokejumper, the experience was pivotal in shaping me. While I never returned after that season, I proudly embrace my "NED for life" title.

In May 2008, I moved to the Sierra National Forest for a change of pace, balancing family life with a role as a fire patrol. This position helped me grow as I no longer had the support of a hotshot crew. After a couple of years, I transitioned to a fuels tech position where I spent three years learning about RX fire planning and operations, skills that would serve me well later.

In 2013, with things settled at home, I returned to the hotshot world as Captain/Foreman on the Kings River Hotshot crew. This role challenged me, allowing me to test ideas and be mentored by a community of highly skilled professionals. The experience shaped me both as a firefighter and as a person, and I remain grateful for the lessons learned.

By 2017, as my family was growing, I sought a role that would allow me to be more present at home. With my experience in RX fire and qualifications, I applied for and received the position of District Fire Management Officer for Prescribed Fire and Fuels. In this role, I combined my suppression and fuels experience to manage the district’s prescribed fire and fuels reduction needs. I held this position until July 2019, when I transitioned to a role at Reedley College.

• Published Author: USFS Research and Development Publication: Measuring Wildland Fire Safety Culture
• Smokejumper 2006 McCall Idaho
• Hotshot Captain 2013-2017
• Bachelors Degree, CSU Chico
• Technical Fire Management – Class 26
• R-5 - Primary Leader Academy Curriculum Development Team 2015

Favorite Quote:

Gold is tested by fire and human character is tested in the furnace of humiliation. – Old Testament

To each there comes, in their lifetime, a special moment when they are figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special thing, unique to them and fitted to their talents. What a tragedy if that moment finds them unprepared or unqualified for that which could have been their finest hour. – Winston Churchill

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat. – Theodore Roosevelt