They’re on Fire

You might wonder: How do the powers-that-be choose the firefighters for the Colorado Firefighter Calendar — an annual Fired Up for Kids project that benefits the burn center at Children’s Hospital? The answer is tonight’s Colorado Firefighter Calendar 2012 Celebrity Judging Contest, during which 29 men and five women will compete for the chance to appear in next year’s calendar.

A 6 p.m. VIP cocktail reception includes a meet-and-greet with the 2011 firefighters, plus seated admission for the judging itself. Doors open to the public at 8 p.m., and the judging starts at 8:30.

“We just have to have all our firefighting gear and our uniforms, and for the runway walk, we have to have a little one-minute runway show,” explains Dave Howard, the 2011 cover boy. “And you get to pick your own song. I used KISS, ‘Heaven’s on Fire,’ — so you try to get something kind of fire-related. Try to pick something that gets the crowd going and something you can dance to a little bit.”

And Howard — a twenty-year veteran of the force — has some advice for the potential 2012 eye candy: “The biggest thing would be enjoy the judging event, try not to be too nervous and just enjoy the time, because we’re so lucky to be in this position to even try out,” he says. “Don’t be nervous, give it your all, and those who do get in the calendar, give 100 percent and do what you can to make money for the charity. It’s not just for your ego to be in the calendar.

“It is great for your ego,” Howard admits, “but ultimately it’s about the charity.”

Purchase tickets ($40 for general admission, $75 for VIP) at www.firedupforkids.org — and get ’em early, because this event will sell out. The judging takes place at the EXDO Event Center, 1399 35th Street.
Fri., April 22, 6 p.m.-midnight, 2011