Fire Fighters Band Together To Fight More Than A Fire

McNary, Arizona - After many years of silence, a small group of firefighters have come forth to combat a quiet stereotype that we have all come to accept as the norm. One particular house, lead under the leadership of Chief Edward Stewart, wants to put an end to the unfair sexualization of those in the fire fighting profession. For years, pin-ups and calendars have demeaned the profession of fire fighting and rescue.  It has almost given women the permission to see these men as nothing more than objects.  From what we could gather, most firefighters are sick of this image and wish to do away with it.  “It is about time this all stopped,” Stewart said. “It will just continue to get worse, if we don't do something now.”

These men, who have fought for years through many trials and tribulations to even become a member of the squad, just want the respect that they deserve. “Yeah, the respect thing was good after 9/11, but it has fallen away as of late. And now, we are being seen as pieces of meat again.” said Tony Freedmont. He went on to say that he does not mean to imply that he wants another 9/11, but instead to get the respect that he and his co-workers deserve.

During TJONJ's short 12 minute interview with these gentlemen, two women catcalled the firehouse as they walked by. One even made a lewd comment about a fire hose. While this happened, some of the firefighters hung their heads in shame while still others permitted the anger and frustration to be seen on their faces.

Stewart has, in recent weeks, started a 501(c)3 charity to help promote awareness of this continuing

problem. Firefighter Organization Curbing Ugly Stereotypes (FOCUS) hopes to shine a light on this growing problem.  His goal is that no firefighter is ever seen as attractive again.  “We are sons, fathers, brothers and even uncles, sometimes. Enough with the degradation.” said Stewart. “We just want to be seen as awesome guys who do a difficult job and should be respected almost at the level of military personnel.  You know, call us 'Heroes' again.  Oh, and on a side note, enough of the cat in the tree jokes. They are old and tired.”