Firefighters Participate in Burn Institute Demolition Derby

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Burn Institute Demolition Derby

San Diego firefighters recently competed in a Demolition Derby hosted by the Burn Institute to raise money for burn victims. Firefighters from several area fire departments participated in the event.

The three rounds of smoke, dragging metal and mud provided both entertainment and competitive fun amongst the participants and the spectators. Angel Hendric, driver of the CAL Fire car, smilingly said, "Everybody is my biggest competitor. It's cut-throat out there. I'm here to win. Plain and simple, I'm here to win."

Mike Shoemaker, a fifth year participant and driver of the National City Fire Department car, echoed Hendric's enthusiasm about being a part of the Burn Institute Demolition Derby saying, "It's fun. You can actually smash into stuff you always try not to, driving a fire engine, and this you actually get to go out and get into an accident.

Firefighter Safety

Shoemaker says that although his wife claims he was sore after the last demolition derby, he had so much fun he did not remember that part of the experience. Despite this type of joking, the Burn Center Demolition Derby is designed with safety first and foremost in mind. Hendric says that the cars are moving at low speeds and so the collisions are not as bad as the may look or sound.

James Floros, the Executive Director of the Burn Institute explains, "There is a lot of specifics that go into the cars. They have to be safe and make sure that the drivers don't get hurt. It's a labor of love for the firefighters."

Some of the safety measures the firefighters take when preparing their cars for the demolition derby include securing the trunk and bumper with chains and removing all plastic and glass. The gas tanks are also removed from the cars and replaced with small 2.5 gallon tanks that sit in the back seat. Mike Shoemaker explains that the doors are secured and the door handles are removed to prevent them from ripping off and injuring the drivers.

An Event to Benefit Programs That Support Burn Victims

The Burn Institute Demolition Derby was held for several years at the Cajon Speedway, according to James Floros, however when the speedway was closed down the derby was put on hold for 5 years. The Del Mar Fairgrounds permitted the Burn Institute to reintroduce the Demolition Derby in 2010 in conjunction with the group's annual Fire Expo.

The event is a fundraiser for the Burn Institute, which supports burn victims, both civilian and first responder. The Derby is sponsored as are each of the cars, and firefighters help to raise money as well. This year, the Burn Institute was able to raise $100,000 with the event, and much of that will go towards this year's Camp Beyond the Scars, a healing camp for children with burn injuries.

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