The first-ever Men of Cape Coral Public Safety Calendar officially came out Wednesday, and a couple hundred copies of it have already been sold.

The 2012 calendar features six police officers and six firefighters over a 12-month spread. The two departments have created their own calendars in past years as fund-raisers, but this is the first time they have shared one.

“People really like it because it’s got cops and firemen in it,” Cape Police motorcycle officer Ray Schilke, who organized the fund-raiser, said.

As of Thursday, approximately 300 calendars had been sold.

The group expects to have 2,000 available by the end of week.

The calendars are selling for $10 each. Schilke noted that those who live outside of the area can have one sent to them for an extra $2 – $12 total.

The calendars are available at the front desk of the Cape Coral Police Department and at Cape Coral City Hall. Local businesses will also carry some for sale, but the details of that had not been worked out as of Thursday.

Schilke said people can also contact the group through Facebook at: www.facebook.com/pages/men-of-cape-coral-public-safety-calendar/.

“They can make arrangements to buy some,” he said.

Proceeds will benefit the United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades.

“Cape Coral’s been in need a lot lately (in regards to the United Way), so we’re trying to help out as much as we can,” Schilke said.

Local United Way officials previously reported that all of the funds raised will stay in the community to help support the local human service network.

Schilke said the group is planning on hosting a signing in November.

“It’ll be a nighttime event and a lot of fun,” he said.

The group may also set up a booth at other events, like festivals or Bike Nights, to raise awareness of the calendars and money for the cause.

“We’re kind of playing it by ear,” Schilke said.

“We’re open for requests,” he added.

For more information, visit the group’s Facebook page.

The Cape Coral Police Department is at 1100 Cultural Park Blvd.

Cape Coral City Hall is located at 1015 Cultural Park Blvd.

The United Way supports more than 160 programs within 72 partner agencies, such as the Alvin A. Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center and Big Brothers Big Sisters. For more information about the United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades, call 433-2000 or visit at: www.unitedwaylee.org.