Things are officially heating up as the Fire Department has officially announced who will represent the Department in the 2026 Middle Georgia Firefighter Calendar. Judges from Legends Fitness chose 36 firefighters who showed they were fit and healthy to be featured in the calendar.

“We are proud of everyone who tried out this year,” said Fire Chief Shane Edwards. “This calendar is a way to give back to so many in our community and it’s a fun way to do it. These firefighters are all in.”

The 2026 Middle Georgia Firefighter Calendar will benefit children’s healthcare in Middle Georgia. A portion of the dollars raised will be donated to Navicent Health Foundation to support the local Atrium Health Levine Children’s Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital.

Firefighters prepared for the shoot by working out more than usual and eating healthier, but they say not much really changed. They say what they did enjoy the more throughout the process was building camaraderie with their department.

“It’s a lot of fun. Everyone is trying to compete with one another, but it’s really brought a closer brotherhood and stronger department,” said Captain Charles Shelton, who was featured in the 2018 calendar and will be returning in 2026. “You have stations meeting up with other stations and they’re working out, participating in other activities. It’s been great.”

The Department and volunteers are still looking for businesses who may want to feature an ad in the 2026 calendar. There are different levels of sponsorship:

$250 Business Card

$500 Quarter of a Page

$1,000 Bottom of a Page (11.5X4 in.)

Those interested in sponsoring should call the Fire Administration office at (478) 751-9180 or email Carlene Howard at cahoward@maconbibb.us.

Calendars will go on sale later this year for $20 each copy. In 2018, the Middle Georgia Firefighter Calendar raised $26,000 for charities.

Firefighters to be featured in calendar include: