Heather as seen in the HFD Pipes and Drums Calendar. Click on the image to purchase now... $12 to support the HFD Pipes and Drums...and get this awesome photo!
Dave Statter ran a story about a Houston Pipes and Drums Calendar that is causing an uproar. The story accompanied another story in Houston that is related sexist and racist remarks surrounding female firefighters. I covered some of that story in the past and will leave it up to Dave to hammer out. The links are here and here.
On the other hand, the deal with the Houston Pipes and Drums Calendar is right up my alley. Why you might ask? Well mostly because of the picture to the right. You might remember the Top Ten Female Firefighting Calendars post I ran a couple months ago. Yes, I am very proud to have taken the time to dissect such and important issue facing Firefighters across the Globe….And Yes, I am willing to be the talent scout if anyone needs me in the future.
Therefore I need to step in where Dave left off. I took it upon myself to hunt down Heather and speak with her. That was actually pretty easy, I have a friend who is friends with everyone…Joel? Did she actually speak with me you might ask? Of course she did via email. I just told sent her a picture of ruggedly handsome Justin Schorr myself and she bought it!
As I said, Heather graced the Fire Critic blog once before (see number 1). This morning, as I was sipping some coffee made just like FireGeezer said to prepare it, and I nearly lost all senses. There she was again…
Heather in all her glory has posed for a benefit calendar for the Houston Pipes and Drums. The calendar was created to raise money for their group. Buy the calendar you will not be disappointed. Mine should be in the mail soon as I ordered it online already (order yours here).
This is an example of an image in one of the Houston Firefighters Calendar. You can order your 2010 Houston Firefighter Calendars here.
This brings me to the situation. SOME people are making a big to do about Heathers dress…or lack there of.
I must say, she looks stunning. Hell if I had a washboard stomach you would be looking at it right now.
Judging by Heather’s photo above and the one to the right could we be talking about a double standard?
Why is it that we cannot choose for ourselves what we want to look at and what we want to purchase. My guess is that these calendars will sell like hotcakes!
Heather offers the following on the situation:
I standby my decision and the fundraiser. The Houston Pipe and Drum Team are an awesome group of dedicated fire fighters who unselfishly give their time, energy and effort to beautifully memorialize our fallen Brothers and Sisters across the US, many times paying for instruments, uniforms and travel from their own pockets. They are a part of a long standing tradition in the fire department and one of the only ones we are allowed to still have and enjoy. I was thrilled to be able to help and had no problems with the vision of the photographer and and the pictures taken. There were no department rules violated and the benefit is in no way affiliated with the city. We all appreciate the support.
And may I add that I am damn proud to be a Houston Fire Fighter and would not change a thing about my near 15 years here. I have and still work with some of the BEST!
In one article found here it states:
“It’s pretty indicative of your view of women,” said Joe Ahmad, the attorney for Draycott, Keyes and other female firefighters. “The problem with photos like this is they maintain the image of women who aren’t viewed in term of being competent at the workplace but merely as sexual objects.”
The Fire Critic says that as long as women inhabit the Earth they will be seen as sexual objects by men. That is just a fact…maybe not all men, but that is another story all together. The same way cougars flock to handsome half naked pictures of male firefighters in their own calendars and view them as sexual objects.
This does not mean that women cannot fight fire. This actually has nothing to do with it. Just because Heather has a fantastic body doesn’t mean that men will think she cannot fight fire. I actually think the opposite. Just by looking at Heather you can tell that she eats healthy, works out often, and take care of herself. Isn’t that what everyone is talking about now anyways…Healthy firefighters. So what gives of this double standard? I say forget about it.
In a response to scrutiny about the calendar, the HFD Pipes and Drums offered this:
I do not feel that the calendar is exploitative. I do not believe that the calendar has “gone to far”. This calendar was designed and produced by the same group that has produced many calendars, including the Houston Fire Fighter’s Calendar. They produced the calendar at their own cost and will be donating the proceeds to the band. Without the support of the community, the band would not be able to honor the careers and memories of the brave firefighters that have dedicated their lives to the service and protection of the citizens of Houston, and the greater Houston area.
This is an issue that I am very passionate about being a female firefighter myself. You might be thinking to yourself oh no not another on of those! Quite the opposite, now I don't have the goods that Heather does and I can't say that if I did I would be in a calendar but I'm on Heathers side on this one. The fire service is a man's world, always has been and always will be. Females coming into the department need to know two critical elements to be able to lead a happy life there. First is to respect the traditions, pride, and honor of what the fire service is, was, and what it represents. Secondly they need to have thick skin, if they don't then they shouldn't even waste they're time applying. This is the best damn job in the world but like anything else in life it's what you make of it. Way to go Heather in supporting an excellent cause and standing up for what you believe in.
Is there a joke somewhere here about “pipes and drums?” Thanks for the link.
There were certainly plenty of opportunities for me to make a play on words! However, I didn't want to take away from my message here. We have bigger things to worry about than this for sure!
I understand. It is a great cause. Too bad for the controversy. “Live and let die”, right?
I know Heather personally and she is a hell of a woman and firefighter. She is supporting a great cause and it is very embarassing to me that the news media would try to spin it anyother way other than what is intended. A beautiful professional woman helping a great cause. GO HEATHER!! We are behind you.
Go Heather!…………I will contribute my $12.
As far as the whinny malcontents in the HFD………please just shut up and go away.
Kudos to all the rest of our brave men and women.
My question is, where can I get a calendar? All of the links I can find have been disabled. I'm not a firefighter today, but I have been a volunteer firefighter before. It's a shame the politics involved and how certain individuals like to point fingers. Most of the time, fire fighters and their associated departments aren't appreciated and are taken for granted until your house is on fire. Keep up the good work you all, we appreciate all you do and represent.
As far as I know, they are sold out at this time. I am not sure if they are doing another run, but I will try to find out and let you all know!
There are not really any “whinny malcontents in the HFD” who have a problem with it. The only reason it is in the news is because of a hypocritical mayor and city council woman who have both benefited in the past form our society advancing beyond a homogenous victorian culture value system yet invoke those values when politically advantageous. The other reason is the scumbag lawyer representing Ms. Draycot; who will have ethics charges brought up against him with the Texas State Bar after his bag of hot air suite explodes and the good men of St. 54 names are cleared.
There are not really any “whinny malcontents in the HFD” who have a problem with it. The only reason it is in the news is because of a hypocritical mayor and city council woman who have both benefited in the past form our society advancing beyond a homogenous victorian culture value system yet invoke those values when politically advantageous. The other reason is the scumbag lawyer representing Ms. Draycot; who will have ethics charges brought up against him with the Texas State Bar after his bag of hot air suite explodes and the good men of St. 54 names are cleared.
Just to make one thing clear the picture of Presley sitting on the tub is NOT the Houston Firefighters Calendar it is the Men of Fire calendar so please check your source before you put a name to something