It’s certainly warming up around here!
Firefighters from the FDNY, showcased in their new “Heroes Calendar,” created quite a stir by taking selfies and signing autographs during a “Giving Tuesday” event.
The 24 firefighters and staff members featured in the 2026 men’s and women’s calendar greeted enthusiastic fans at the Fire Zone gift shop in midtown Manhattan, proudly displaying their smiles and well-defined muscles.
“I mean, just look at this. It’s amazing,” exclaimed Jennifer Holmes, visiting from California for her birthday.
Holmes took a photo with a model from a men’s magazine, sharing, “I’ve always respected firefighters, and when I noticed them doing events, I wanted to support them too.”
Event-goers could snag a calendar for $25, with all proceeds going to the FDNY Foundation to assist department members.
The turnout was impressive, with guests from various places, including a Dane who happily joined in for a fun photo with New York’s bravest.
“It was so hot! I loved it!” Kristina Moore from Denmark gushed about her experience chatting with the firefighters.
Encouraged by her husband to attend the event, she seemed to enjoy every moment.
Models like Raymond Urena, 32, and Jocelyn Vidal, 30, also radiated enthusiasm.
“Honestly, it feels incredible,” Vidal shared, explaining her motivation to join the calendar was to demonstrate that if others could do it, so could she.
Both Urena and Vidal highlighted the significance of community service, particularly on Giving Tuesday.
“It’s wonderful. If you don’t like giving back, this job isn’t for you,” Urena added.
FDNY Foundation President Matt Diliberto expressed excitement about the calendar’s return after a two-year hiatus, largely thanks to a $250,000 donation from Firehouse Subs that covered production costs.
“We really hadn’t had this in two years, so hearing we could get it back was fantastic,” he noted.
Diliberto emphasized that the models are not just about posing and signing; they’re also playing a role in promoting fire safety education.
Erasmos Soto, 36, a model and firefighter for a decade, mentioned he plans to gift the calendar to someone dear to him.
“My grandmother wanted it so badly that I thought, ‘Why not? I’ll get it for you,’” he shared.
