Hottie firefighter to be in charity calendar

Published 10:59 am Thursday, October 2, 2008

SNOQUALMIE – Next year’s forecast: 212 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity: 94 percent. Visibility: Yes, please.

Anyone with the 2006 Firefighter Calendar can plan on four pretty sultry seasons next year.

Last week, 35 firefighters from around Washington – including the Snoqualmie Fire Department’s own Robert Lasswell – competed for a month in the 2006 Firefighters Calendar to benefit the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters (WSCFF) Burn Foundation. Only 24 were chosen, including Lasswell.

The firefighters had to jump through some fiery hoops to win the attention of a panel of 55 judges. A probing questionnaire, a grueling photo shoot and, of course, working it shirtless on stage, were parts of the test that separated the firemen from the water boys.

“It feels pretty good. It’s very flattering and humbling,” said Lasswell, 36, the first Snoqualmie firefighter to be chosen in the competition, now in its 11th year. “Hopefully, I can represent the department the best I can and bring some good publicity to the department.”

The legion of judges included members of the media elite and high-rolling charity donors. The group mulled over the contestants last Thursday at the Premier Night Club in Seattle, where the firefighters – including one mother and son combination – got a chance to strut their stuff one last time before the decisions were made. Some judges purchased the opportunity at a charity auction earlier this year, paying as much as $15,000 – all of which goes to the burn foundation, along with 100 percent of the proceeds from the calendars.

The competition began with a questionnaire that included some pretty deep queries into each firefighter’s moral fiber. Those that passed the application did a preliminary photo shoot in uniform, and one in their bunker gear – sans shirt. Based on that photo, finalists were sent to last Thursday’s judging event. There, the contestants had only a few minutes to introduce themselves, warm up the judges and work the crowd.

Lasswell is a Valley import. He lives in Cle Elum and grew up in the Everett area. A fireman since 1997, Lasswell was a volunteer firefighter in North Bend for two and a half years before being hired by the Snoqualmie Fire Department.

He initially wanted to be a state trooper and received his degree in criminal justice. But after saving an elderly citizen by giving him CPR in a Bellevue hardware store, Lasswell knew he wanted to be a firefighter.

“That was the turning point for me. Once I had done that I thought this is pretty cool, to say the least,” said Lasswell, who was recognized by the city of Bellevue as a citizen responder at a Bellevue City Council meeting following the rescue.

Being a calendar guy is a big time commitment, with 80 appearances scheduled throughout the year. The calendars will be released on Aug. 4, and after that Lasswell will be found with the other firefighters at malls selling and autographing the calendar.

“It’s about a $300 commitment for them, time-wise,” said Rod Heivilin, director of the calendar event. “I’ve had several ladies buy a whole stack and say, ‘My Christmas shopping is done.'”

But the time sacrifice is worthwhile for Lasswell, who thinks highly of the WSCFF Burn Foundation, an all-volunteer organization that helps burn victims.

“It has several charitable functions, mostly involving children. The biggest one is a summer camp for kids. It gives them a week-long opportunity to get out and have fun,” Lasswell said.

When he’s not putting out fires, Lasswell likes spending time with his two kids, working out, riding his motorcycle and enjoying most other outdoor activities.

To purchase a calendar, visit www.firefightercalendar.com.