Martensville Fire Department Captain Chris Peters is representing his community in a new way after earning a spot in the 2027 Saskatchewan Firefighters Calendar.
Peters was selected as one of 12 firefighters featured in this year’s calendar following a months-long process that began when Martensville Deputy Fire Chief James Taylor shared the opportunity with members of the department.
Peters decided to give it a shot and submitted photos and information about himself. In late January, he learned he had been chosen as one of 17 firefighters moving on to the selection process.
That kicked off three months of preparation leading up to selection night in Regina on April 25th. Peters followed a strict calorie deficit and lost approximately 24 pounds before taking the stage alongside the other finalists.
Despite being accustomed to the pressure that comes with firefighting, Peters admitted walking onto a stage shirtless in front of a crowd brought a very different kind of nerves.
“I’ve never done this before, and I’m shirtless in front of a bunch of people,” Peters said, adding that much of the nervousness disappeared once he was on stage with the other firefighters. “You’re in your own head. That’s the worst part.”
Shortly after, Peters learned he had earned one of the coveted 12 spots in the calendar.
“I was relieved and excited,” he said, describing the selection as a reward for the work he had put into preparing.
His work wasn’t quite finished. The official photo shoot took place two months later on June 25th, requiring Peters to continue his fitness and nutrition routine in the meantime. He said the experience ultimately resulted in lifestyle changes that continued after the photos were taken, including working out regularly and making fitness a bigger part of family life.
The changes have rubbed off at home as well. Peters said his family added more fitness equipment to their house and has become more conscious about healthy choices. His wife had already been involved in CrossFit for years, and the experience helped make fitness something the entire family could share.
Peters has been a member of the Martensville Fire Department for approximately seven years. He initially joined as a way to give back while challenging himself and becoming more involved in the community his family had decided to make their home.
“I got hired and never looked back,” Peters said, adding that he doesn’t plan on leaving anytime soon.
Being featured in the calendar also provided another opportunity to give back.
Proceeds from calendar sales support the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation, a cause Peters said made participating even more worthwhile.
The calendar was officially unveiled in early September. Last year’s calendar sales raised $150,000 toward medical equipment for the hospital’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.
Peters received plenty of encouragement throughout the experience, beginning with his wife, who told him she would support him if he decided to participate. His fellow Martensville firefighters offered plenty of good-natured teasing along the way but also backed him throughout the process.
“We’ve got a good crew,” Peters said. “I had the full department support.”
He also credited those who helped the firefighters prepare, including the coaching provided as part of the calendar experience, as well as everyone who supported him along the way.
When Martensville residents flip through the calendar looking for their hometown firefighter, they’ll have to wait until the very end, as Peters is featured as the December photo.
The 2027 Saskatchewan Firefighters Calendar is now available at several locations across the province. Locally, calendars can be purchased at TR Petroleum in Martensville and Zaks Building Centre locations in Warman, Hague and Saskatoon, as well as Outtabounds in Warman. They will also be available at Save-On-Foods and London Drugs locations throughout Saskatchewan.
