When firefighters aren’t busy running into burning buildings and handling other emergencies, many will spend time keeping themselves in peak physical shape.
That was fully on display on Thursday, as photos were taken for a second day for the 2025 Hall of Flame calendar. Vancouver’s iconic waterfront was the location for day two, though pictures are also being taken in other spots.
Featuring scantly clothed Greater Vancouver firefighters posing with various pieces of equipment, proceeds from the calendar will go toward various charities, like the Kids Burn Fund, through the Vancouver Charitable Society.
For the firefighters, it’s a fun opportunity for a good cause.
“We support a lot of different groups, one of which is the Snacks for Kids. We support over 6,500 kids annually, raising over $200,000 a year just for the food that we provide for them,” explained Dave Robertson, acting captain with Vancouver Fire Rescue Services.
The process has been fun, Robertson says, adding the shoot has been “professionally run” with a lot of support.
“I’ve heard about the calendar since I started Vancouver Fire Rescue Services, but this is the first time I’ve ever done it. I figured I should do it before I retire — I’m going to be retiring in a couple of years,” he said.
But it wasn’t his idea.
“It was my wife’s idea,” Robertson said with a laugh. “She said, ‘If you’re ever going to do it, you should do it now before you retire.’ So I decided to give it a shot.”
The calendars have been popular in years past, selling out quickly. New this year is a contest to decide what the cover image will be.
“We’re going to shoot three different covers and we’re going to let our supporters decide the final pick,” said Robertson.
The vote will take place on social media and online.
As for which month Robertson might appear on, he says he’s put in for April — his birth month.
“I won’t be doing it again. It’s a lot of fun, but it’s a young man’s game,” he joked.
The calendars are already available for pre-sale, at $19.99.