( CNN ) -- Eleven years ago , Danae Mines ignored her family 's objections and became one of the few female firefighters with the New York City Fire Department , better known as the FDNY . And this week , with her trademark determination , she broke through a different traditionally all-male barrier : the FDNY Calendar of Heroes . Mines is the first woman to be featured as eye candy in the calendar 's 11-year history , something that typifies her grit and will . `` I was n't going to let anyone tell me I could n't do what I wanted to do , '' she said told the New York Daily News . `` I wanted my picture in the calendar so that young girls and young women can see me and know that they can do this job . '' Mines is a 14-year veteran of the FDNY and a member of Engine Co. 60 in the South Bronx , the department told CNN . She joins 12 male colleagues on the calendar 's steamy pages and will be featured in March . There are about 10,300 firefighters in all ranks of the FDNY and 46 of those are women , according to the department . That equals less than half of one percent . `` When I step foot into the firehouse , I have to be able to tell myself that I 'm willing to risk my life to save someone else , '' Mines told the Daily News . `` I always go above and beyond , because that 's my job . '' A positive reaction . From the FDNY Facebook page to the International Association of Women in Fire and Emergency Services , the reaction to Mines ' calendar inclusion has been overwhelmingly positive . The consensus : Even a calendar with a reputation for showcasing traditional masculinity must catch up with the times . `` I think it is SO SO cool that you have a lady in the calendar this year , '' one Facebook user said . `` I am glad that a sexy woman of color is representing not just the FDNY but FD Ladies all over the country . '' Another commenter was equally inspired . `` Can I just say how freakin ' awesome it is to see a woman in the FDNY ? I know there are female fire fighters but they are so far & few between & even better that she made the calendar ! ! ! Keep saving lives girl ! ! ! You are an inspiration to women everywhere ! '' This type of reaction is exactly what Angela Hughes wants to hear . As a fire lieutenant in Baltimore County , Maryland , and a trustee at the IAWFES , she knows how difficult it can be for women to assimilate in a fire department . `` It 's not easy to fit in , '' she told CNN . `` The stereotype is that you 're a fireman . But we 're firefighters and we 're trained to do the job . Not everyone needs to be a muscle-bound giant to do the job . It is about technique . '' Hughes has been in the fire service for 21 years . Like Mines , she joined after being an emergency medical technician . `` I was very fortunate that I worked for a metro department with 18 % female firefighters , when nationwide it 's about 4 % , '' she said . `` I was well accepted . ... In other departments it can be very difficult . '' She listed several issues the IAWFES seeks to address for female firefighters , including the need for personal bathrooms , sleeping quarters and freedom from workplace harassment . Still , Hughes felt that Mines ' inclusion in the FDNY calendar was a sign of slight progress . `` I really appreciate that ( Mines ' ) goal was to let other women know they can do it , '' Hughes said . `` For me , when little girls come up to me and say 'Oh , now I know I can do this , ' it 's the best feeling . '' `` This woman is helping more people understand . '' All proceeds from the 2015 Calendar of Heroes benefit the nonprofit FDNY Foundation .
First female firefighter , Danae Mines , featured in 2015 FDNY Calendar of Heroes . Mines : `` I always go above and beyond , because that 's my job . '' The first woman to be a member of the New York City Fire Department was Firefighter Danae Mines.