Fire-Dex is pleased to announce Lt. Mike Donohue of the BP Oil Refinery in Toledo, Ohio as the grand prize winner of the “Take the Fire-Dex Challenge” and recipient of the “Heat of the Battle II” custom Orange County Chopper.
The “Heat of the Battle II,” Fire-Dex’s firefighter-inspired custom built Orange County Chopper, was the grand prize of the “Take the Fire-Dex Challenge” event at FDIC. To compete, firefighters tried on Fire-Dex turnout gear and challenged an opponent in a one-of-a-kind firefighter-inspired obstacle course to be entered into a random drawing to win the “Heat of the Battle II.”
In total, nearly 1,000 participants took the Fire-Dex Challenge to become eligible for the “Heat of the Battle II,” valued at approximately $60,000, or one of three sets of turnout gear autographed by Paul Teutul, Sr.
“I was initially talked into taking the Challenge by my Deputy Chief, Jon Parker” said Mike Donohue. “When I got the call saying that I won, I instantly thought, ‘who does the Chief know at Fire-Dex that he got to prank me’? It is unbelievable to me to know that I actually won! Fire-Dex has gone above and beyond creating this beautiful bike for firefighters and I am so excited that I won it!”
Lt. Donohue has been an active duty firefighter for 10 years and has worked for the BP Oil Toledo Refinery since 2006. He is also a fan of “American Chopper,” the reality TV show about Orange County Choppers.
“Fire-Dex was excited to have the opportunity to commission Orange County Choppers for a second year to create firefighter-inspired “Heat of the Battle II ,” so we could give it away to a firefighter at FDIC,” said Bill Burke, president of Fire-Dex. “It’s a privilege to be able to give this custom chopper to a deserving individual like Mike Donohue who has donated his life to protecting others and saving lives.”
“Anytime we get to build a bike that pays tribute to the brave men and women of our country it is always such an honor,” said Paul Teutul Sr. “Building the Fire-Dex ‘Heat of Battle II’ bike was no exception.”
“The obstacle course allowed firefighters to actively maneuver in our gear and gain firsthand experience of its lightweight feel and flexibility by competing for this one-of-a-kind prize,” Burke said.
Fire-Dex is a quality manufacturer of protective firefighting clothing and emergency response apparel. Fire-Dex manufactures NFPA compliant structural and proximity turnout gear – featuring our line of Express Gear: “5 styles delivered in 5 days or less.” Fire-Dex also manufactures two models of NFPA compliant ParaDex™ EMS gear and is the only turnout manufacturer to also manufacture premium quality NFPA helmets, hoods and gloves.
FDIC is the world’s largest firefighter training conference and exhibition with approximately 25,000 firefighters attending in 2009. FDIC is also one of the largest trade exhibits Indianapolis hosts annually.
Source: Company release, Medina, OH, June 17, 2009
