LATINO FIREFIGHTERS TAKE SHIRT OFF, FOR CHARITY

Dallas firefighters strike a pose in new calendar
August 6, 2008
By DAN X. McGRAW / The Dallas Morning News
dmcgraw@dallasnews.com

Hot, buff, and of course, shirtless firefighters — some of Dallas' finest can now be put on display.

Twelve Dallas firefighters struck a pose as part of the Dallas Hispanic Firefighters Association's 2009 calendar that was released this month.
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Link: Hispanic Firefighters Association calendar

The calendar, which costs $15, will help raise money for the Parkland Burn Camp, Julia Alvarado Memorial Fund, and the association's scholarship fund, said Lt. Charlie Salazar, the association's president.

Lt. Salazar, also known as Mr. December, said there was no shortage of interest in posing amongst the ranks. Eighteen Dallas firefighters took part in the shoot, and the 12 "best calendar-worthy" men were chosen.

The association produced its first calendar in 2000, and two more calendars followed in 2001 and 2003, Lt. Salazar said. The group then stopped releasing calendars because it was hard to generate revenue, but this year group leaders secured sponsors to pay for production. They also selling it online.

"It motivates the guys to work out and stay in shape and those are real important for what we do," Lt. Salazar said. "It is also a recruiting tool for us, as well as a way to raise donations."