‘Fighting Fires to Pacifiers’: Orlando Fire Department Welcomes 15 Babies During Pandemic

Courtesy of Orlando Fire Department

Crew members from the Orlando Fire Department (OFD) in Florida have welcomed 15 babies during the ongoing pandemic. Some of the dads and their little ones posed for a photo shoot to commemorate the happy coincidence, and netizens can’t get enough of their cuteness.

Multitasking as both firefighters and doting parents, the men posed in uniform and full gear with their babies for a series of heartwarming snaps.

Courtesy of Orlando Fire Department

Seven of OFD’s little ones–three bouncing baby girls and four cherubic baby boys–first went viral at the end of April when OFD shared photos on social media. “From fighting fires to pacifiers,” they wrote in a post on Facebook. “These seven Orlando Firefighters went from 24/48 hour shifts to 24/7 dads in a matter of months for the special assignment of fatherhood.”

One photo featured the moms beside their firefighting partners, with babies in their arms. The parents and their babies were all doing well, the department claimed, joking that it is only a matter of time before these new recruits “gear up” and join the family.

The post was shared just in time for National Baby Day on May 2.

Courtesy of Orlando Fire Department

Two weeks later, all 15 babies of the OFD baby boom were featured on ABC World News Tonight. Fire crews worked extra hours during the pandemic, and some were tasked with administering vaccines. Yet before long, fatherly duties had to be factored into the mix as their little bundles of joy arrived, one by one.

“What a Father’s Day to come with 15 babies to celebrate with!” OFD shared on Facebook.

Courtesy of Orlando Fire Department

As photos went viral, comments from netizens flooded in, congratulating the expanding Orlando crew and marveling at the collective cuteness.

“Wow I hope the FD is framing all of these pics,” one person exclaimed.

“The OFD should have some great family picnics soon. Congrats everyone!!” wrote another.

While a third one chimed in, writing, “Possibly firefighters of tomorrow.”

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