The men and women within most fire departments think of their fellow firefighters as a second family. They refer to each other as "brother" or "sister." They typically spend 24 hours together during a shift, which means they often share meals, holidays, joyful times and sometimes, even sorrow. 

Now you can become part of the extended "Fire Family" just by attending this fun event. The 2022 Ignite The Spirit-Milwaukee Firefighter Calendar (presented by Reliant Fire Apparatus) and Release Party will take place at The Cooperage, 822 S. Water St., on Friday, Nov. 12. The celebration starts at 7 p.m.

Ignite The Spirit-Milwaukee is a non-profit organization that helps firefighters and their families in times of need. The calendar release party is their largest fundraiser of the year. 

During this event guests will get to check out the 12 Milwaukee Firefighters chosen to pose for the calendar pages. They'll also have a chance to purchase a limited edition 2022 Ignite The Spirit-Milwaukee Firefighter Calendar.

This event has sold out in previous years, so grab your tickets today. The cost is $30 in advance or $40 at the door. All proceeds go to Ignite The Spirit- Milwaukee to support firefighters and their families.

The ticket includes entrance to the event; a meet-and-greet with real Milwaukee Firefighters; music by DJ Goose; 2 complimentary drinks, hors d'oeuvres from The Cooperage and the satisfaction of supporting local firefighters and their families when they need it most.

"This is a really fun opportunity to get out and interact with Milwaukee’s firefighters in a different light, while also supporting an organization that works to support those same firefighters when they need it most," says Joe Flick, President of Ignite the Spirit-Milwaukee.

Here's the evening's agenda:

7 p.m. - Doors open

8 p.m. - Firefighter calendar model introduction

9 p.m. - Auction/raffle winners announced

All night long (until 10 p.m.) - Drinks and music by DJ Goose

Raffle prizes include:

• Dinner at Brady Street Firehouse, Engine 6 – Wood-fired pizzas served by the calendar models for up to 25 guests.
• Airline Tickets
• Yeti Cooler
• Exclusive and rare Jack Daniels swag
• And more

Sound like fun? Get your tickets here.

Note: The Cooperage requires vaccination cards or a negative Covid test within 72 hours for all events.