On the morning of September 13, 2014, friend of the Fire Hogs Darrell Smith arrived early to the Long Beach Police Officers Assn Park to prepare his legendary feast. Darrell had to get an early start as the meats had to be smoked just right and for a long time. Using his culinary skills, he had to prepare a BBQ of succulent pulled pork, beef brisket, chicken, and juicy pork sausage, all rounded out by beans and slaw for a crowd of over 90 LAFD/LACoFD Fire Hogs (more on that later!), family and friends. Of course all of this would be washed down with plenty of the finest libations too!
As if on cue the annual Hogs Breath BBQ got off to a roaring start as more than 50 motorcycles pulled into the parking lot to begin an afternoon of comradery, good food, tall tales and most importantly the Hogs Breath Biker Games!
Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas arrived on his own black with flames (what else?) Dyna Wide Glide and thanked the Fire Hogs for all the charitable work they do on behalf of others and especially the Relief Association’s Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen’s Fund. Last year the Fire Hogs provided $5000 and are on record to do the same this year.
Besides the BBQ, the afternoon kicked off with great tunes provided by the LAFD’s own Ryan Viducic (FS 63’s) and his band “Purple Sugar.” We were fortunate to have Ryan as his band is very popular at many South Bay music venues including The House of Blues, Anaheim! Ryan and his band rocked the crowed all afternoon.
Another surprise of the afternoon was the introduction of the new LACoFD chapter of Fire Hogs! LAFD Fire Hogs President Jack Wise took to the mike to introduce and present the new colors to the latest chapter of Fire Hogs to the surprise and cheers of the crowd. The new LACoFD Fire Hogs include: Al Bustillos, Matt Gill, Shawn Grizzard, Howard Spinrad, Rich Gonzales, Wayne Habell, John Galiher and Justin Kalnas, (son of our own LAFD Fire Hog Ted Kalnas.) Congrats to our new chapter of Fire Hogs!
Intermixed throughout the afternoon, the Fire Hog Biker Games provided the crowd with hours of laughter and pleasure. The Master of Ceremonies presiding over these games is our Sgt of Arms, Pete Goff. When you put Pete and a bullhorn together you know you are going to have a lot of fun. The four events: Slow drag race, Keg push, Potato harvest and Hot Dog bite, proved to be the most competitive and hilarious in years as participants demonstrated their riding prowess in events that can only be described as FUN! Many past and returning champions lost to the younger and much more nimble riders. Congratulations to all the winners!
After the games, the Purple Sugar rocked the crowd into the early evening. From the event it was back to the hotel to change and then off to watch the UFC fights at a nearby bar and a quick bite of dinner. Well, this part proved to be interesting as the nearby bar was well over 20 miles away and there was some confusion as to what time the fights were starting. Anyway, as we finally pulled up to this dive bar that was packed to the rafters, we had no problem getting in as the final decision was just announced, much to the chagrin of our party that had just made the trek, and the crowd bailed out. In true Fire Hog fashion, we all made the most out of the reruns, the libations, and the fact that we traveled so far to miss the fights!
What a great event! Thanks to Taylor Gaskins and his crew for organizing and rolling this event out again, Darrell Smith and his BBQ crew for once again providing the very best in BBQ, and Pete Goff and his crew for ensuring the biker games where carried off with hardly a mishap. Most importantly, thanks to all that attended and helped out to make this event a success!!
There are many more rides coming up! You don’t have to be a Fire Hog to participate. All you need is a willingness to have fun! Come on out to see what this is all about. Events are posted on our website www.firehogs.org.
Apply for an account to be e-mailed notifications of upcoming rides. Members wishing to join the Fire Hogs can contact any of the Board members from our website.
As a National organization, we are also accepting applications for new Fire Hog chapters from riders from other agencies. Contact any Board member from our website
Join us on facebook @Fire Hogs M/C. Like our Facebook page @ L.A.F.D. Fire Hogs.