LISTEN: The calendar, a charitable endeavor featuring the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department's finest, is back after a seven-year hiatus. GPB's Sofi Gratas brings this audio postcard.

Firefighters Roberto Jose Julkes and Michael White at a photoshoot on June 4, 2025 for the Middle Georgia Firefighter Calendar.

Firefighters Roberto Jose Julkes and Michael White pose at a photoshoot on June 4, 2025, for the Middle Georgia Firefighter Calendar.

Credit: Sofi Gratas/GPB News

Off the Interstate 75 exit toward Perry, through a security gate and down a long gravel road is what looks like a town ravaged by natural disasters. But the destruction at the Guardian Centers of Georgia is manmade, created to assist with disaster preparedness training. 

It's also the backdrop for photos to be featured in the 2026 Middle Georgia Firefighter Calendar. After a seven-year hiatus, the calendar, long awaited by residents, is back.

Macon-Bibb County Fire Department Chief Shane Edwards said countywide collaboration has been essential to get the project up and running again. 

"It's taken a little while to get it back, but I will tell you this," Edwards said during a photoshoot on June 4. "It's been so good and such a good response to our community that we're already looking at either a two or three year plan of continuing to flip this calendar."

Of the 75 firefighters who competed for a slot in the calendar, 36 men and women were chosen to be featured.

In this audio postcard, hear from Edwards, photographer Brittany Stevens, firefighter Roberto Jose Julkes, content specialist Emily Hopkins and others behind the production of the calendar.

Lenka Anuraj contributed to this story. 

Tags: firefighters  Macon  Macon Bibb  Middle Georgia  Perry  Georgia