25 Years and Still Ridin’
The history of the LAFD Fire Hogs Motorcycle Club dates back to the mid 1980’s. The idea was somewhat new, since at the time most firemen in L.A. did not own American motorcycles as the American street bike craze had not even begun. The Harley-Davidson Company had recently been bought by its workers (from AMF) who were redesigning and building Harleys focusing on quality versus quantity. Their efforts proved successful, and in 1986 Harley-Davidson became a publicly traded company.
One of the first LAFD Harley riders of this era was Joe Teijeira. At the time Joe was an A/O in South L.A. Back then, “Shovelheads” were the Harleys of choice. Joe rallied interested firemen to ride for good times and camaraderie. Early riders included Ted Kalnas, Randy Laur, Ray Cuevas, Joe Avalos, Tony Varela, Jay Freeman, Raul Miranda, Mark Khitikian, Bobby Reyes, Julio Maldonado, Dane Jackson, and a few others. This was the inception of the LAFD Fire Hogs Motorcycle Club – a group of Harley ridin’ L.A. City firemen.
There were no patches, logos, dues, or club rules, and communication was “word of mouth” by land lines. Camaraderie was the goal for riders as BBQ’s and Poker Runs became popular events. As the informal club began to take shape, many fun rides were organized up and down the coast. Eventually the Club was founded in March of 1991, and a FIRE HOGS roster of members was formed. Charity rides were started to benefit the Relief Association’s Widows, Orphans, & Disabled Firemen’s Fund.
Over the next ten years better bike design increased the popularity of Harleys. More and more LAFD members began riding with the Club. As the Club grew through the late 1990’s there were many ideas for the group. Several logos for shirts and patches originated. Newsletters and basic club guidelines were presented. Unofficial motorcycle rides expanded in distance and size. All along, our charity rides raised more funds for WODFF.
Until the beginning of the 21st century, the Fire Hogs remained an informal group mainly arranged by word of mouth and few emails. Though the thought to become a structured organization was desired and being formulated, it did not occur until the Spring of 2001.
On March 28, 2001, the LAFD Fire Hogs became established as a formalized organization. A Fire Hogs meeting was held in the LAFRA conference room. With leadership from the core group of members, and the initiative of newer riders, a board of officers was elected. By-laws were adopted, an official Club patch logo was designed and the first “interim” board members were elected. These were: president – John O’Connor, So V.P. – Joe Teijeira, No V.P. – Mark Akahoshi/Raul Miranda, Treasurer – Mike Kammerer, Secretary – Al Angulo, Sgt at Arms – Pete Goff/Wayne Havron.
The original club “colors” patch design was submitted by Chris Shaw. This three piece patch set was worn unofficially, until revised to the current two piece design now worn by all members.
In 2001, the Fire Hogs organized and led a delegation of LAFD members to NYC to honor the FDNY shortly after 9/11. In 2002, as a tribute to firefighters, Harley-Davidson introduced the red “Firefighter Special Edition” model owned and proudly ridden by many Fire Hog members. The Fallen Heroes Memorial Ride and the Hogs Breath BBQ were also started at this time.
In 2012, the club began a transformation to become more active and organized with a new board. The membership elected the following officers:
President……………….Jack Wise
Vice President…………Ted Kalnas
South Vice President….Taylor Gaskins
North Vice President…..Raul Miranda
Treasurer………………..Craig Yamashiro
Scribe……………………Lewis Smith
Sgt. at Arms…………….Rudy Santiago
Sgt. at Arms…………….Pete Goff
A Club Charter was established and it was agreed to establish a National Charter to allow for the future expansion of Fire Hogs chapters from other fire departments. New leadership has inspired membership growth, and increased participation in club activities. The Fire Hogs meet quarterly, organize Club rides, sponsor charity fundraising events, and attend community functions. The FIRE HOGS M/C is a Family (Neutral) Club, which claims no territory and rides in respect of all other clubs. They are a non-profit organization whose goal is to promote a brotherhood amongst fellow firefighters and develop relationships with the communities they serve.
In September of 2013, the first new Fire Hogs Chapter Club was formed by LACoFD members, led by president Al Bustillos.
In December of 2015, the LAFD Fire Hogs raised and donated over $25,000 dollars to Widows Orphans and Disabled Firemen’s Fund. This year the Club celebrates 25 years since it was founded in 1991. It must be noted that in 2016 use of the club’s original bar and shield style logos was discontinued. New logos are being developed as of this writing. The Fire Hogs “Colors” patch sets will remain unchanged.
Fire Hogs events are posted on our website FireHogs.org. Members interested in joining the Fire Hogs can contact any of the board members. We are also accepting applications for new Fire Hog chapters from other agency riders. Join us on Facebook @Fire Hogs M/C. Like our Facebook page@ L.A.F.D.Fire Hogs
By Raul Miranda, Founding Member