“It was like a scene from a movie as I play it back in my mind,” St. Louis firefighter Garon Mosby said about the event that put him on the path towards his life’s work. “We were standing outside of the house watching the fire in Red Cross blankets.”
As a child, he watched the family home go up in flames and firemen rescue his two sisters from the second story window of the house in St. Louis city. And seeing the difference these firemen made in his family’s lives revealed his professional passion and purpose.
“I became a firefighter basically so I can help people,” Mosby said. “When the bell hits it doesn’t matter what you’re doing – and you have to be at your best. It is an adrenaline rush like nothing else. And we help restore calm to a chaotic situation.”
The 34 year-old now has 12 years under his belt as a member of the St. Louis Fire Department and is representing St. Louis in a steamy calendar that showcases 12 of the hottest men who risk their lives to save others from around the country. He will also host a special fundraiser tomorrow night at the Lafayette Firehouse No. 1.
Mosby was among the hunks featured in Nation’s Bravest: Firefighters Unite is the first calendar to feature firemen from across the nation and he shares the spotlight with Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, New Orleans and several other metropolitan areas.
“It’s been exciting,” Mosby, a.k.a. Mr. March, said. “They flew us to New York and everything went more smoothly than anyone would have expected – and we definitely developed a bond.”
Mosby and others have flexed their muscles – six packs and all – in the calendar, but it’s for a worthy cause. Proceeds from the sale benefit 12 separate charities – selected by the men’s fire department.
Mosby will be raising money for St. Louis Lifesaving Foundation through calendar sales and a special fundraiser tomorrow night. Through the foundation the goal is to fit 30 fire trucks with 12-lead wireless defibrillators to aid them in saving the lives of those rescued from fires.
“The trucks work, but technology has changed,” Mosby said. “And through the St. Louis Lifesaving Foundation we will be able to provide advanced patient care.”
But in the meantime, Mosby is soaking up the fun that comes with being eye candy – especially tomorrow night.
“I told them they can use my body,” Mosby said laughing. “It’s going to be so much fun. I’ll get to mingle and get to meet a lot of people. The calendar will there and I will be there for live pictures – shirt on, or shirt off.”
Mosby joked about showcasing his physique for the greater good of his department, but the process in doing so was intense. When he heard about the calendar, his girlfriend urged him to apply. Mosby dropped 30 pounds in six weeks to get his body to the point to where he felt okay showing it off through a closely monitored diet and exercise regimen.
Tomorrow night guests will see the fruits of his labor – for fun’s sake. Being a part of Nation’s Bravest: Firefighters Unite has been an opportunity for Mosby to do his part in raising money to save lives. And he says that he’s soaked it all in and can’t wait for tomorrow’s event
“This experience has been exciting and wonderful,” Mosby said. “I’m thrilled to have been selected and I’m especially thrilled to be one of four African Americans featured. “The whole process – and why we are doing it – has been rewarding it…and a lot of fun.”
The Meet Mr. St. Louis Firefighters Unite Fundraiser will take place Wednesday from 6-9 p.m. at Lafayette Firehouse No.1 (1901 Park Ave.) There is a $20 cover that will benefit St. Louis Lifesaving Foundation.
