Topless Firefighters, Uniformed Heroes and Femme Fatales Add Up to One Red Haute Houston Night

What: The Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association (HPFFA) Charitable Foundation‘s “Red Hot Gala”

Where: The Royal Sonesta Hotel

PC Moment: How could this night be anything but sizzling with the topless firefighter calendar guys strutting the runway and with the femme fatales stepping out in the invitation-requested “Red ‘Haute’ Cocktail Attire.” As one observer noted, “The ‘Red Hot’ fashions were fierce, the uniformed firefighters distinguished and the, minimally clad, equally ‘Hot’ calendar firefighters set the runway ablaze.”

The night was filled with salutes to Houston Fire Fighters beginning with presentation of the fire department’s Color Guard, continuing with a presentation by the department’s Pipes and Drums (kilts included), participation by the department’s Arson Investigators and ATF Accelerant K-9’s Humphrey and Lux, and a demonstration by the firefighter rescue team. The latter was reenactment of a water rescue with an onstage raft assisted by a newly developed Rescunomics drone that delivered the lifesaving rope bag precisely to the victim.

Elizabeth and Alan Stein reprised their 2018 roles as chairs of the gala that on this night raised more than $500,000 for the purchase of equipment not supported by the City of Houston budget. As chairs, the Steins, and co-chairs Robin and Alex Brennan-Martin, were presented with the ultimate firefighters honor, the Fire Fighters Axe, a symbol of achievement and service.

The evening honored Troy Blakeney, a former Marine, retired firefighter and current Houston attorney, who is known for his continuing commitment to the city’s firefighters. Also receiving special recognition were presenting sponsors, the Houston Automobile Dealers Association and Hallie Vanderhider. They underwrote the cost of two F150 trucks for the arson team and active shooter training kits for Houston Rescue.

PC Seen: Local 341 president Patrick ‘Marty’ Lancton, emcee Erica Contreras, Monica and Benjamin Berg, Bobbie Nau, Joanna and Brad Marks, Patti and Don Murphy, Cissy Abel, Fady Armanious and Bill Baldwin, Rebecca and Robert Tijerina, Sue Lovell, Wyatt Wainwright, RoShelle Salinas, Renee and Alan Helfman, Kelley and Stephen Lubanko, Bruce Padilla and Shelby Kibodeaux, Leisa Holland-Nelson and Bob Bowman, Shelley Taylor Ludwick, Christin and Ugo Tombolini, and mayoral candidates Dwight Boykins, Tony Buzbee and Bill King.