Bridgeport firefighters reveal 'hot' calendar

Bridgeport, Conn. (WTNH) - Some Bridgeport firefighters are leaving little to the imagination for charity. They posed for a 2011 calendar that they hope will be a hot holiday seller in the Park City.

To be part of the  Firefighters Local 834 “Bridgeport Bravest” 2011 calendar, modesty was not one of the qualifications.

Firefighter Darren Carroll with Ladder 6 is proud to be Mr. February.

News 8’s Keith Kountz: “How do you like the way the photo turned out?”
FF Darren Carroll, laughing: “I think I look incredible!”

The calendar shows off the sexier side of a dozen Bridgeport firefighters, men and women, young and a bit older. Mr. November, otherwise known as Captain John Botsco, is 49 years young.

Keith Kountz: “Did you take a little bit of heat?”
Captain John Botsco: “Did I take a little bit of heat? Not a little, tremendous amounts. You name it they've come up with it, but again all in jest.”

The calendar is a fundraiser for the Fallen Firefighter's Fund. The money raised will help the families of the two Bridgeport firefighters Lieutenant Steven Velasquez and Firefighter Michael Baik who died while fighting a blaze in July.

Mayor’s office spokeswoman Elaine Ficarra said, “It really touched everyone and we just wanted to do something that would raise moral and shine a good light on the department.”

But for some firefighters sitting down for those somewhat “revealing” shots was, let's say, challenging.

“It was the toughest thing I've ever had to do so far on this job,” commented Firefighter Sheila Santiago.

Miss October, Sheila Santiago, doesn't sound like she'll be on board if there's a 2012 calendar.

“I run into burning buildings. I even go skydiving,” she said. “I'd do those things before another photo shoot.”

Now that's one tough shoot, but it's hard to argue with the results.

The official launch date for the calendars will be next Thursday, December 2nd. An autograph party will be held at the Holiday Inn in Bridgeport.

You can pick up a calendar for $15. For an additional five bucks, the firefighters will autograph you're copy.