Firefighter calendar to smoke up funds for foundation

By Melissa Arseniuk

Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008 | 1:09 p.m.

While pin-up calendars featuring half-naked models may be considered “sexist” or “degrading” or even “offensive” in our increasingly sensitive, neutral and politically correct workplaces, here’s one you can hang with pride.

And if someone from human resources tries to give you any trouble, simply assure them it’s all for a good cause.

The 2009 “Great Balls of Fire” calendar features 12 of Southern Nevada’s hottest firefighters and, conveniently enough, supports the Make a Wish Foundation of Southern Nevada.

A handful of the smokin’ hot models strutted their stuff on Tuesday at Fashion Show Mall. Again, for a good cause.

The Wish foundation grants wishes – including going to Disneyland and meeting sports heroes – to children facing life-threatening conditions.

An assortment of cute-as-cute-can-be Wish recipients provided motivation and Maggiano’s Little Italy provided food and drink, while picture-perfect firefighters provided inspiration for Tuesday’s event.

Each firefighter did his or her thing up and down the catwalk, then mixed and mingled with the crowd afterward, posing for pictures and signing copies of the calendar.

All firefighters pictured in the calendar work at fire departments in Southern Nevada. With the exception of Henderson, all local departments – including Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Boulder City and Clark County – are represented.

It is the first time the local Make a Wish Foundation has produced a sexy calendar to raise funds for sick kids, but organizers are hoping to raise $40,000 through the initiative.

The calendar, which features Southern Nevada’s finest male and female firefighters, sells for $20 and is available on weekends at a kiosk at Town Square until the end of the month.