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FDNY ‘badge bunny’ groupie rages out of control with firefighter obsession

When the firefighters finally told her to stop the surprise visits and Facebook postings, her adoration twisted into obsession and fury

NYPost.com

NEW YORK — She was hot for the FDNY.

Christine Cuocolo, 34, started out as a typical firefighter “buff,” one of legions of groupies to the hunky heroes. But her desire to get close to the smoke eaters spiraled into a “Fatal Attraction”-like nightmare. Cuocolo, a Midtown IRS employee, created several social-media identities, including FDNY Chicky, batcavesfiregirl 26 — a reference to the Engine Co. 26 nickname, Bat Cave — and midtownsixtyfive girl, for Engine Co. 65.

She joined a mushrooming number of online groups that honor the Bravest, such as Support FDNY, FDNY Midtown, and NYC Fire Wire. The groups, whose memberships have skyrocketed since 9/11, follow the Fire Department with the same intensity as young Justin Bieber fans.

Full story: Culture of FDNY groupies rages out of control as ‘badge bunny’ obsession turns scary