DENVER — Firefighters in the Denver Metro are showing their love for puppies.
Each year, Lifeline Puppy Rescue's biggest fundraiser of the year is a calendar, featuring first responders and everyone's favorite: puppies.
"Oh, puppy kisses!" said Thornton Fire Lieutenant Thomas Kapuan, holding a puppy.
He volunteers each year to help save puppies.
"Dogs are my favorite animal and helping these little guys, it means the world to me," Kapaun said.
When he and his wife were struggling with fitness goals, he said they made a deal.
"We decided we wanted to do something that was a little bit out of our comfort zone," he said.
His love of dogs made it easier for him to get in front of the camera.
"It's been very rewarding both through the fitness gains that we've made and then also helping all of these adorable puppies," Kapaun said.
Amy VanDerbroek is the project manager for the Fire Rescue Dogs Calendar.
"It's our biggest fundraiser for Lifeline Puppy Rescue," she said. "It's raised over $950,000 over the past ten years. Our goal this year is to raise another $200,000."
This calendar helps Lifeline Puppy Rescue pay for spaying and neutering, micro-chipping, special surgeries and a new, larger kennel facility that's currently in the works.
"Funny story I actually didn't apply for this calendar," said Adams County firefighter and paramedic Nick Dabrowski.
Even if he didn't apply himself, he said he's glad to contribute to the cause.
"It's been great. We were greeted by about 20 puppies first thing this morning," Dabrowski said. "I got into the fire service because I wanted to help people, help anyone really, dogs included."
"We love helping the puppies. We love being involved in the community," Kapaun said. "This is just another way for us to give back to the community that gives so much to us."
