From Firehouse to Footsteps: Adam Walleman’s Journey to Support Firefighters with Cancer
When Adam Walleman laces up his shoes on September 4th, he will be hitting the road to raise money for families across the state of Michigan. They are families who live with, or have lost, a firefighter to cancer. While it may seem like just another day for Adam, the man is simply doing what’s been engrained into him for most of his life, the thing that comes naturally for the men and woman in this line of work - serving others.
A Career of Service
Adam served the City of St. Clair Shores, Michigan, retiring as Battalion Chief and hanging up his hat on a career well done. It’s the bonds that were made in the firehouse where he spent over two decades that he looks back on so fondly. They were bonds forged in the most difficult and trying of circumstances. They are the type of friendships that last a lifetime. Battalion Chief Shawn Goldie and Engineer Scott Schwabe, both partners and brothers in gear, passed from occupational related cancers recently. Adam is determined to keep their memories alive.
This year will mark Adam’s first time walking the 140 miles across Michigan, a decision sparked by both loss and inspiration. While watching his friend Jamie Lucero walk last year, it sealed the thought in Adam’s mind. “I really should join this amazing group of people.”
Jamie reminded him this summer and Adam began training - not because walking is his favorite thing to do (he’s more of a weights guy), but because the cause definitely outweighed the discomfort. Adam’s biggest obstacle, he says,” will be back/knee issues,” as he’s sustained injuries throughout years on the job. Mentally, he feels as prepared as he could be.
Walk for the Red 140 is getting back to the basics for him - what the job was all about. “We have a group of like minded individuals, focused on one task - to complete the mission, be safe doing it, and go home to our families at the end of the day.”
Sometimes, you just need the right rhythm to keep the miles moving and Adam has quite the sound track to help him stay in line. “ Start heavy with Metallica or Disturbed, switch to 80s hair bands, and close with 80s pop or yacht rock. Then just shake it up!”
A Message from the Front Lines
Adam is hopeful that this walk amplifies a message many outside of the fire service rarely hear. “Someone once said if you want to truly know how a war is going on, talk to the troops on the ground. This is no different than talking with firefighters compared to what community leaders might have to say.” Understaffing is real, call volumes have doubled, and the job leaves scars. “Firefighters are not immune to the things we see. We’re normal people and some memories don’t ever go away.” A friend once described a particularly horrendous experience as, “tossing that one up in the attic and throwing away the key.”
Adam knows that this walk is more than just "raising funds.” It’s about awareness, keeping memories alive, and ensuring that the community understands the realities that firefighters face long after the fires are out and the sirens are gone.
At it’s heart, Adam’s journey across Michigan is a tribute. He walks for Shawn, Scott, and the firefighters who have battled or have carried the sometimes invisible scars of cancer that the job leaves behind. It’s for the families who carry those burdens too.
Please support Adam’s journey, and consider making a donation to Neighbors United, here or simply visit the Neighbors United Facebook Page to follow along and learn more.
