TRADITION. At the dawn of a new year, and in a society where digital technology continues to gain momentum, physical calendars still have a good rating. A just reward for their creators, like Mickael Lefevre for the bragard firefighters.
Of “Hello Madam, have you received the calendars? »has “Hello Madam, I have come to get you a calendar”several weeks have passed. There are even the late arrivals before Christmas who have not lost hope of finding one: “Do you have any calendars left?” »
This regular scene, at the agency daily jhm in Saint-Dizier, we have undoubtedly heard it elsewhere. In a digitalized society, where new technologies continue to gain momentum in our daily lives, the physical calendar is still very appreciated. For its practicality with the possibility of writing “directly into the boxes”its aesthetic aspect with the example of the paintings of Hélène Gueffier, which represent Saint-Dizier, or for “make a small gesture to these everyday workers”regulars of the exercise. Like, for example, firefighters.
A real pleasure
For the latter, it’s a real pleasure: “It’s a tradition”explains Mickael Lefèvre, firefighter. “It’s also a way of having a different connection with the population, which has nothing to do with an intervention or a visit to the rescue center. » For the firefighter, this is a subject that is particularly close to his heart; for two years, he has been in charge of putting together – from A to Z – the calendar for the Saint-Dizier firefighters.
A joy for this photography enthusiast, accustomed to spectacular photos during interventions in the territory. But also a more difficult task than it seems: “From the choice of frame, to the design, to the selection of photos, to the incorporation of partners… this represents several months of work. I always start by making a skeleton”sums up “Micke”, his signature. This year, he wanted to highlight the power of fire, as the cover suggests. The photos are all real and local, sometimes from training phases to pose for colleagues. Something obviously impossible during a big fire, where there’s a rush.
7,000 copies
In the end, the result is positive. Thanks above all to the clichés, but also to “superior quality paper. We are selling a product, it must be of quality”. To involve the whole family, drawings and small games have been incorporated. Enough to appeal to children, even if the profession of firefighter remains popular with them, partly thanks to these images.
In total, the Bragard firefighters calendar was printed in 7,000 copies in the territory, knowing that “the different associations in the department each have their own calendar”. For latecomers, there is still the possibility of purchasing one directly from the Rescue Center. Meanwhile, there is no doubt that Mickael Lefevre already has the theme of the 2026 version in the back of his mind.
Louis Vanthornout
Soon champions of France?
For the third year, a French firefighter calendar championship is organized. Mickael Lefevre and the Bragards are competing among 128 barracks. “This is our first participation”underlines the fire soldier. Beginner’s luck? Saint-Dizier’s schedule was acclaimed, allowing them to progress through the group stage, thanks to a large victory (73% to 27%) against Tulle (Corrèze). They will face, in the round of 16, the Amicale de Saint-Chély-d’Apcher (Lozère). The meetings take place on Instagram, on the national fire brigade account, via a story poll highlighting each of the competing friends. Stay tuned to help them bring the cup home.
