A Look at HD's Burning Hot Firefighter Special Edition
More than just a motorcycle, the Special Edition commemorates heroes.
Official Identification
In 2002, Harley-Davidson released special edition models to honor first responders who answered the call on 9/11. Among those releases was the unmistakable Firefighter Special Edition. In a tradition that continues today, the scarlet red machines are still on offer in the current model year, but prospective buyers need official Fire Rescue identification to purchase one.
Possible Tribute
The Firefighter Special Edition's story begins with a donation by Harley-Davidson shortly after the September 11 attacks. Along with a million dollars going to the American Red Cross, the Motor Company provided thirty-plus Police Edition bikes to law enforcement departments in New York City and Washington, DC. The gesture spurred calls about a possible firefighter tribute, and the MoCo graciously obliged.
Fire Glide
Harley-Davidson has offered special edition bikes for law enforcement officials since 1987. When the firefighter version was released, the Motor Company was unsure how long they would be on offer. Almost two decades later, painted in their red livery, the Fire FLHP Road King and Fire FLHTP Electra Glide are still listed on the MoCo's website.
Popular Demand
Harley-Davidson expanded the Special Edition lineup to include the Heritage Softail Classic and the Fat Boy in 2004. Offered at a discount, the Motor Company does not release the special edition sales numbers. When asked why the MoCo expanded its lineup, former Harley-Davidson spokesperson, Mike Morgan, stated in an Associated Press news release, “They’re popular. There’s a demand for them.”
Signed Affidavit
In an older H-D Forums post, member billnourse outlined the procurement process. “When I got mine, I was required to furnish a badge number, proof that I was a retired officer, what department I retired from, and I signed an affidavit promising not to sell the bike for one year.” He also elaborated on the VIN number difference for Police, Shriner and Firefighter bikes.
Motor Medics
Harley-Davidson has been building patrol motorcycles since 1908. It currently serves over three-thousand law enforcement departments in Canada and the U.S. Fire Rescue units have had a smaller, but just as vital uptake in motorcycle-mounted responders. One such example is the Daytona Beach Fire Department. Since 1994, the department has deployed Motor Medics in order to navigate pedestrian and vehicle gridlock during emergency calls.
Pilot Program
The Motor Medics' Road Kings are equipped with a complete line of advance life support equipment. Along with paramedic training, potential candidates must complete a rigorous police motorcycle riding school. The highly skilled Motor Medics have reduced response times to mere minutes. What started out as a pilot program is now recognized as the standard by other agencies across the country.
Emotional Brotherhood
From commemorating heroes to assisting vacationers, the Harley-Davidson Firefighter Special Edition is on call. As Joseph McRae, a Fire Chief in Orem, Utah for twenty-five years, explained about his bright red Road King in the 2004 Associated Press news release, “It's not a bike. It's an emotional thing. It represents more than just a motorcycle. It represents the brotherhood.”
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