MEMBERS ONLY INFORMATION
COLORS
All Patches – worn on the Fire Hog vest shall be non–offensive, so as not to reflect a negative image of the club.
Questionable patches may be reviewed by the Board to determine approval. Additionally, logos or text which could be interpreted as claiming geographic area or territory, are prohibited. Consistent with the National Charter Article VII, Sec 5e, American flag patch, if flown, shall be placed on the front left side of the vest above officer designation, if applicable.
Tenure Patches – The committee determined that the “Founding Members” of the club are the six current members found on the earliest roster dated March 12, 1991. It was determined that only these members (and the first Fire Hog President) may wear a “Founder” patch. Any LAFD Chapter Member may wear a Fire Hog “LAFD Original” patch indicating he is an original LAFD Fire Hog Chapter Member.
Other chapter’s establishing members may wear an “EST. Member” (consistent with National Charter terminology) patch indicating they were the first members that established their chapter.
FOUNDER – indicates LAFD Current Rostered Members since March 3, 1991 (Founding Member).
LAFD ORIGINAL – indicates original LAFD Chapter Members.
EST. MEMBER – indicates other Chapters Establishing Members (LACoFD, SGVFD, SDFD, CRCFD).
Los Angeles County Fire Hogs “EST.MEMBERS”: Al Bustillos – President, Matt Gil – VP, Sean Grizzard – Secretary, Howard Spinrad – Treasurer, Rich Gonzalez – Sergeant of Arms, and Crew Members Jon Galiher, and Wayne Habel – R.I.P.
*Tenure patches may be worn on the front of the vest with Orange lettering on the black background consistent with the National Charter Article VII, Sec 5c. & 5d.
*The terms “LAFD ORIGINAL” and “FOUNDER” on the tenure patches are only applicable to LAFD Chapter members and may not be worn by other chapter members.
Side-Rocker Patches – may be worn on the vest, so long as they are not offensive, or readable from the back to indicate an extension of the back patch. Side-Rocker patches maybe personalized, but text or logos must not refer to geographic area that may be viewed as territorial. Side-Rocker patches may have “Directional” text I.e., “North End”, “South End”, and so forth.
Note: As stated in Article VII, Sec 4. of the National Charter: No other patches should be readable on the back panel as viewed from the rear.
Designator Patches – indicating member names, officer rank, club tenure, etc., may be worn on the front of the vest with Orange lettering on the back background consistent with Sec 5c. & 5d.
FHF-FFH Patches – (See definitions) may be worn on the front or side of the vest with Orange lettering on the Black background consistent with National Charter Article VII, Sec 5c. & 5d.
Prohibited Patches – It is a fact that certain flash patches represent a negative association or evoke imagery that may be detrimental to the Fire Hogs and our mission. Most of the mainstream society views the Pentagram, KKK, Swastikas, SS Lightning Bolts, Norse Runes, Nazi Eagle, the Three-Sevens, the Hammer & Sickle, and Neo-Nazi symbols as being part of an extremist and / or racist organization. As a family club, the Fire Hogs do not seek to promote or be associated with what these symbols represent. Therefore, the above identified, or other inappropriate patches / insignia are prohibited on Fire Hog colors or soft colors.
With Respect for other clubs in the motorcycle world, diamond or cube shape patches and / or any numbers (identified with Outlaw Clubs) or “1%” patches shall not be worn on the Fire Hogs vest or jacket.
These symbols can be perceived as a 1% M/C or associated with outlaw bikers’ organizations. We are a family club of Firefighters (active & retired),and should represent ourselves as such to the general public and the motorcycle community.
DEFINITIONS
Colors – Colors are the insignia worn by the individuals of a specific organization to identify membership. Club patches have been worn by many different groups but have become largely synonymous with M/C’s. Colors are considered to represent a symbol of identity and marked with related symbolism of the club.
The primary symbol being the “Back-Patch” (with or without “Rocker” patch) which is referred to as the Club’s “Colors”. Wearing such clothing is referred to as “Flying One’s Colors”. The Colors back-patch is displayed on the back of the vest / jacket alone with no other patches.
Note: Colors are never to be worn by either the operator or passenger of an automobile, (or truck) as it is viewed by the entire motorcycle community as a sign of disrespect.
Rocker – A Rocker is defined as any item, including but not limited to, a patch, direct embroidery, direct printing, sublimation, heat transfer, iron-on or hand drawn rendered in the shape of an arc, either upward or downward. Part of M/C colors which may designate geographic location, territory, or M/C position / rank. Rocker patches are usually located above or below the main back patch or are part of the main patch.
Soft-Colors – A T-shirt, sweatshirt, or any article of clothing with the club’s colors or logo printed on the back. Keep in mind that if you are wearing Fire Hog’s “Soft Colors” patch, designs, images, or logos you are representing the Fire Hogs. Usually worn in establishments where M/C “Colors” are prohibited.
Soft Colors are to be worn only by “Full Patch” members.
Designator Patches – Custom smaller patches with text to indicate names, rank, tenure, etc., worn on the front or sides of the vest / jacket.
Flash Patch – Generic patches usually sold at swap meets and shops. Usually worn on front or side of the vest / jacket.
Side-Rocker – Nowadays, members incorporate additional rockers on their vests called, “Side-Rockers”. Side Rockers are more personal to the member itself who usually could choose the side rocker they want. Most Side-Rockers are names of additional locations more personal to the member and sometimes are given to the member from other chapters. These rockers are usually on the side of their vest. Side-Rocker patches are not designed to be part of the back “Colors” patch.
XXF-FXX / XXFOREVER-FOREVERXX – Patch worn by M/C members to represent their total commitment to the club and every other member of that club. (XX stands for the name of the club). I.E., “FHF-FFH” = FIREHOGS FOREVER-FOREVER FIREHOGS.
Rules of the Road
The following will be the riding order for club rides unless otherwise changed by the President or V.P. at the beginning of the ride.
• President of club / chapter will ride in front and lead. If there are more than one than all the Presidents will be in front with National President as the senior President.
• V.P.’s will then follow the President’s and all Board Members following them.
• Full Patch Members of the club will be next.
• Prospects will be at the end of the line.
• Any person not in the club / chapter, i.e., friends, family, etc., will be the very last.
• Sgt. Of Arms / Ride Captains will inform everyone and line up bikes if possible.
• Riding will be staggered unless otherwise indicated by state law.