Firefighter - Miscellaneous Traditions

Miscellaneous Traditions

In popular literature, firefighters are sometimes depicted with Dalmatian dogs. This breed originated in southern Europe to assist with herding livestock and run along with horses, and in the days of horse-drawn fire vehicles, the horses were usually released on arrival at the fire and the Dalmatians would lead the horses through traffic and to a safe place to wait until the fire was out. Dalmatians also filled the role of protecting the horses' feet from other dogs as equipment was being transported to the fire scene.

In reality, most fire dogs were mutts pulled from the street (and thus cheaper to acquire). In addition, Dalmatians have a reputation for skittishness and congenital defects, such as deafness due to inbreeding.

Many fire companies around the world, especially in the United States, develop annual beefcake calendars. In these calendars, handsome and/or muscular firefighters appear scantily clad and sometimes cavorting. Calendar proceeds function as fund raisers for their fire department and for charities. Other forms of fund raising may include traditional Firemen's Balls (gala events attended by firefighters and supporters from the community), community fairs, and ding-a-ling car washes (where the price is whatever donation one wishes).

Some firefighters are known to be good cooks. This is because some firefighters have long shifts and cannot leave the station for food. Most stations have a kitchen or lunch hall with some cooking appliances. Firefighters who can cook take turns in making lunch and dinner meals. The Firefighter's cooking skills are sometimes so good that they use them for fund raisers. Common American firefighter cooking fund raisers serve fried fish or chili beans soup.