“I was able to firsthand see the amazing people, animals, and unique environment that Australia has to offer. Most importantly I had the opportunity to interact with the numerous charities and foundations that the calendar benefits and learn of the importance of conservation efforts in order to protect our wildlife and environment. We live on one shared planet and this is a message I am more than happy to take back to the States and share with my audience. And oh yeah, I almost forgot…ripped firefighters with adorable animals. I think people might enjoy that as well,” Troy said.
Meanwhile, Hacker, a firefighter, paramedic, and actor born and raised in rural Ohio, opened up that one of his goals before reaching 30 was to be in the Australian Firefighters Calendar.
“When I was younger in my fire and medic career, it began as a joke because I felt like I could never be physically capable or fit enough to be one of those men you see in the calendar. After 10 years of hard work and dedication, I reached out to the Australian Firefighters Calendar. To my surprise they were impressed by my journey and wanted me to partake in their calendar,” Hacker, from Willard Fire and Rescue Ohio, said.
“This was a dream come true and one of the greatest honors of my life to be an American featured in an Australian Firefighters calendar for a good cause.”
Canadian firefighter Steven Giannopolous, from the Ottawa Fire Service, had this to say: “Firefighting was my dream as a little boy. I remember playing with all my little fire truck toys pretending to respond to emergencies and being fascinated every time I saw a real-life fire truck ripping to calls. As I grew up, I realized that it's not superheroes that are doing this job but actual people.”
He continued: “From that moment on I knew firefighting was what I wanted to do! I applied and went through all the rigorous tests and had the opportunity to become a firefighter at a really young age. It's been 9 years now and I haven’t looked back. One of the most dynamic and demanding jobs but also the most rewarding being able to serve your community and help people on the worst days of their lives.”
When you're done enjoying this list, be sure to check out Bored Panda's previous coverage of the Australian Firefighters Calendar from 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, and 2017.
