New FDNY Calendar Features Women For First Time Ever

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The new FDNY calendar is the hottest one to date.

As CBS2's Cindy Hsu reported, for the first time ever, the calendar is featuring both men and women, and is also honoring the department's EMTs and paramedics.

"I'm proud that the 2017 is the first calendar the department has produced which truly represents all of our heroes – the men and women who risk their lives as firefighters, EMTs and paramedics every day to keep New York City safe," said Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro.

The 2017 FDNY Calendar of Heroes is two calendars in one, featuring 12 months of men and 12 months of women.

"They work with us, they're out there doing the same thing we do so it's good that they're represented in the calendar," said Andre De Cristo, a.k.a. Mr. February.

"Women are strong and powerful -- we're mothers, we're sisters, we're aunts -- we're there to take care of you. So being a firefighter is an extension of that," said Miss August, Jackie-Michelle Martinez.

Last year was the first time a woman was included in the calendar, but just one. This year the men don't seem to mind sharing the pages.

"I love it, I love it. They're on the street with us, they do the same job we do, to include them I think is great," Matthew Herzog said.

Many of the women hope the calendar will encourage more women to join the FDNY.

"Every woman in New York City, from the age of 17-and-a-half they can take the test to the age of 28 to consider being a New York City Firefighter," Martinez said.

The featured heroes were in Herald Square signing copies of the calendar Friday.

From the turnout at the signing it looks like the message is getting out.

"I think it's a beautiful thing, and it encourages people like me to become one of them one day," Janea Skeeling said.

The calendar costs $17.95.

All proceeds go to the FDNY Foundation. The calendar normally raises nearly $300,000.

Order it here: www.FDNYShop.com.