Shirtless Lakeland Firefighters Strike A Pose With Pooches

LAKELAND, FL — Shirtless Florida firefighters struck a pose with some adorable pooches just in time for the holidays.

"For a fifth year in a row, the Lakeland Fire Department and SPCA Florida proudly present its rescued pets calendar," declared Janel Vassallo of the Lakeland Fire Department.

The 2020 calendars costs $10 and make a great gift for the holidays.

"The calendar features beautifully photographed SPCA Florida rescued pets and buff Lakeland firefighters," according to Vassallo, who said the calendars benefit the SPCA Florida.

She said every month of the year will bring new safety tips and other information from the fire department and SPCA.

In addition to being available online, the calendars can be purchased at the SPCA Florida campus as well as the Lakeland Fire Department Administration Building and partner locations.

Credit cards will only be accepted online and at the SPCA Florida campus. Cash and checks must be used for other in-person purchases.

"Last year's calendar was a great success, generating over $15,000 to pay for the medical care of animals encountered on human emergency scenes by the Lakeland Fire Department and treated at SPCA Florida's Reva McClurg Medical Center," Vassallo explained.

Proceeds go directly to helping rescued animals in Lakeland.

"The annual calendar is a fun and philanthropic cornerstone of the partnership," Vassallo said. "It is a great way for SPCA Florida to expand on its mission of helping animals while the Lakeland Fire Department can show its compassion and care for all of the living creatures in its community."

Some of last year's funds were used to purchase new animal oxygen masks for the fire department. The masks are used when family pets are rescued from burning structures.

The SPCA Florida office is located at 5850 Brannen Road S. in Lakeland. The Lakeland Fire Department Administration Building is located at 701 E Main Street in Lakeland.

To find a list of partner locations click here.