Hunky firefighters burn up wallets for charity
Published: January 29, 2007
This week I had the opportunity of covering an event outside Hamden. Hesitant at first, I quickly jumped at the chance once I learned more about my assignment.
Working with a big company like Hometown Publications, which publishes 12 weekly papers, we editors sometimes have to lend each other a helping hand.
So when I was asked to cover an event in Stratford on Thursday, I didn’t hesitate to oblige.
When I found out I’d be chatting it up with some of Connecticut’s sexiest firemen, I surely didn’t refuse. I am, after all, a professional.
There is more to these first responders than meets the eye. They come from communities throughout Connecticut, including Hamden, and are featured in an annual firefighter’s calendar.
What sets these men apart from other “sexy” calendars is that they do it for charity.
After previously contributing to the Children’s Cancer Center at Yale-New Haven Hospital and the Connecticut Burns Care Foundation, this year the gentlemen decided to donate to the Easter Seals Goodwill Foundation.
The New Haven-based foundation provides services for people with disabilities.
Allingtown firefighter Tony Connor and West Haven Firefighter Terri Roundtree have organized the annual calendar, which sells for $10. They also enlisted the assistance of others to put it all together.
The idea came from Judy Orrange, a former employee at the University of New Haven. Connor said Orrange pitched the idea, and four years later the rest is history.
The popular calendar has helped raised more than $10,000 for both Yale-New Haven Hospital and the Burn Camp.
Although it’s still too early to tell, Easter Seals President Rich Borer said the men might raise even more money this year.
F rom the looks of the female enthusiasm at the event, it wouldn’t surprise me if they surpass their financial goal.
Although they didn’t perform any impossible feats, it isn’t easy putting yourself out there for public scrutiny.
The four firefighters who attended the calendar signing conducted themselves with respect despite facing some cackling and “woo-hoos.”
I think at one point, I even let one out. Being in the presence of such perfectly sculpted individuals, I couldn’t contain myself. The fact that they are doing this for a good cause makes it even harder to resist.
For a moment, I took back all the times I complained about my job. However, when it came down to writing the actual story, I was back to “I really don’t want to do this.”
Not because I didn’t want to write about the firefighters, but because I wanted to convey the right message.
I didn’t want the article to simply be about sexy men selling calendars. I wanted there to be more depth. To find that depth I only had to review my notes and rethink the reason behind the calendar - charity.
Like when I lend a helping hand to a fellow colleague in a time of need, these men decided to stop thinking about doing something for someone else and actually do it.
In doing so, they have subjected themselves to the public eye, which for the most part, can be very judgmental. Talking to these men, you’ll understand that they only want to do the right thing.
In addition to having something wonderful to look at every month, those who purchase calendars play a major role in assisting a great cause.
A 2008 calendar already is one in the works, and interested volunteers are encouraged to submit photos.
To purchase a calendar or learn more about becoming involved visit ctfirefighterscalendar.org.
Not only have these men decided to donate to charity, but they also put their lives out on the line everyday for residents in the communities they serve.
It’s time to play our part and give back to those who provide us with safety and security.
And if that doesn’t entice you ladies, just think, one of these fine gentlemen might be responding to you in your time of need. That’s reason enough for me.
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