Conn. Female Firefighter's Calendar Helps Burn Victims

April 23--NEW HAVEN -- Firefighter Leah Harwin will be featured as one of 13 female models in America's Female Firefighters' annual calendar for 2015.

"I'm very honored and humbled to be a part of it," Harwin said. "I feel very lucky and it's great to do something for children."

Proceeds from the sale of the calendar benefit burn victims in a number of ways, including helping to fund children's burn camps across the country, scholarships for burn victims and various charity funds.

The organization started out selling calendars locally in southern Florida, but has expanded to sell nationwide.

America's Female Firefighters has donated more than $411,000 as of February. Some of the money goes back to local organizations near the women featured in the calendar.

Harwin, a Branford native and 12-year veteran of the department, currently serves on Engine 16 in the Cove neighborhood. The oldest of her three sons, Conner Mullen, 23, is a member of the Meriden Fire Department.

Before graduating the New Haven Fire Academy in 2002, Harwin was a volunteer EMT in Branford and a personal trainer. She also did volunteer work with FEMA to help victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Becoming a firefighter was fate, Harwin said. She liked the idea of being able to help people and the adrenaline rush that goes along with being a firefighter. Retired city Firefighter Joe Decato suggested she consider applying, she said.

Harwin said she applied in early 2013 and the photo shoot took place last October in Florida.

She also got to attend the Fire Department Instructors Conference convention in Indianapolis and sign copies of the calendar.

Anyone who wants to purchase the calendar for $15 can contact Harwin at [email protected].

Call Rich Scinto at 203-789-5748. Have questions, feedback or ideas about our news coverage? Connect directly with New Haven Register editors at AskTheRegister.com.

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