Firefighter Danae Mines is making history as the first female featured in the Fire Department of New York's Calendar of Heroes. The annual feast for the eyes typically features hunky topless men showing off their hard-earned bodies and providing some lovely eye candy for the whole year through. This time, Mines is there to represent the female body of the department, which is 41 firefighters strong.
"They said if I made it in the calendar, I would look like a pinup girl," the 11-year veteran of the South Bronx's Engine Co. 60 told the New York Daily News. "I wasn't going to let anyone tell me I couldn't do what I wanted to do. I was determined."
So she showed up to the male-dominated auditions — the only female to do so — and though she was admittedly intimidated, she landed the March spot. But don't expect her to show as much skin as her male colleagues. Miss March will appear in a gray FDNY tank top, red suspenders and a utility belt.
"I wanted my picture in the calendar so that young girls and young women can see me and know that they can do this job."
It's an inspiration that perhaps she could've used as a child when she first decided to become a firefighter and again when she was urged by her family to choose another path when she was older. She became an EMT before going for her dream and becoming a firefighter in 2003.
"Once I graduated [from the Fire Academy] … they could not stop bragging," she said. "I always go above and beyond. When I step foot into the firehouse, I have to be able to tell myself that I'm willing to risk my life to save someone else."
To purchase a calendar, which retails for $17.95, visit fdnyfoundation.org. Proceeds will go towards education in fire safety as well as training for firefighters.
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(Photo: Official FDNY Calendar)