Palmetto, FL (WWSB) – The North River Fire District in Manatee County is selling calendars featuring their own, to help to help their local first responders.
All proceeds from the 2026 calendars support firefighter mental health.
“The average civilian goes through one or two traumas in their lifetime,” said Kelvin Foster. the Fire Chaplain for the North River Fire District.” The average first responder will be exposed to 900 during their career.”
Foster said this leads to mental struggles for some of the first responders.
“Statistically, we have about two to three firefighters per week that actually died through suicide nationwide,” said Foster. So it’s a big problem. “
The North River Fire District in Palmetto is trying to do more to help their first responders.
“We have a mental health program where we go above and beyond the normal health offerings of most fire departments,” said Foster. “We try to eliminate any stigma for going out and reaching out for mental health services. So, the proceeds from this will help underwrite the costs and support the first responders when they go out and get mental counseling.”
Firefighter Gavinn Greeman was featured in last year’s calendar and again this year. “I struggle with mental health as well,” said Greeman. “So, it’s awesome we can put a light on this. It’s helped me out a lot.”
Greeman said he’s happy to be showing off his good looks and strong physique in the calendar to help make sure his co-workers are mentally healthy.
To his surprise, his appearance in the local calendar led to him getting attention from people all around the world.
Greeman was asked to participate in the 2026 international Australian Firefighters Calendar, which donates money to both animals and people in need.
“It’s been awesome,” said Greeman. “I’ve done a lot of interviews.”
The 2026 North River Firefighters Charity Calendars are on sale for $10.
To get a copy, you can purchase them on-line at: www.nrfd.org.
You can also buy a calendar in person by visiting: NRFD Station 1, 1225 14th Ave. W., Palmetto, Monday – Thursday, from 7:30am – 4:30pm.
If you’d like to meet the firefighters from the North River Fire District, and show your support, they are having a community event.
The North River Fire District Open House and Family Fun Day is scheduled for Saturday, February 14th from 10:00am – 2:00pm. Attendees can tour the fire station, watch firefighter demonstrations, and check out displays from multiple law enforcement, public safety and county agencies. There will also be activities, giveaways, face painting, a petting zoo, and food trucks. All activities, parking and admission are FREE!
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