By Courtney Greve
Copyright 2006 Chicago Sun-Times, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
The calendar girls are heating things up.
For the first time, the Chicago Firefighter Calendar will have two editions -- one with men, the other with women.
But don’t expect to find cleavage and bare midriffs in the 2007 calendars.
Katie Skelly, or Ms. January, wouldn’t have it any other way.
The 26-year-old Fire Department paramedic from the Mount Greenwood community said disrobing, even for charity, would cheapen her job and the kind of woman it takes to fit the bill.
“It takes a strong woman who is confident and carries herself well to work in a firehouse,” said Skelly, a Mother McAuley High School graduate. “I wanted to show the younger crowd that women can do this job.”
Skelly is one of 11 paramedics in the calendar, including fellow South Siders Jamie Heintz, Lisa Spring, Kimberly Bailey and Katie Basic. North Sider Peggy Dempsey is the only female firefighter represented.
Skelly selected the profession because she wanted a challenge and she had a talent for diffusing chaotic situations.
Her parents, who have cared for more than 50 foster children in their Oak Lawn home, also taught her the importance of helping others.
“You can make a difference,” she said, adding she and her partner, Marco Flores, work on the city’s busiest ambulance. “I’m proud of my job. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”
The calendars are $15. Proceeds go to the Ignite the Spirit Fund, which benefits firefighters in times of need.