Cali Comfort Supports New York-Bound Firefighters on Their 9/11 Memorial Run

Over the past few years, Chula Vista firefighters Enrique Soto, Matt Minehan and Capt. Darrell Roberts have jumped on their Harley-Davidson motorcycles and hit the open road.

Though their destinations have been varied – including Las Vegas, Laughlin, Nev., and the famed motorcycle capital of the world, Sturgis, S.D. – each trip has come with its own rewards, and its own degree of excitement.

In September, the trio will embark on their longest and most meaningful trip, as they ride for nine days from San Diego to New York City to participate in the city's 9/11 memorial. While at Ground Zero, they will give a donation check to the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund. The charity was founded to honor Terry Farrell, a decorated firefighter who lost his life on that fateful day in September 2001.

“We had all talked about how cool it would be to be in New York for the 10th anniversary,” said Soto, a seven-year veteran of the CVFD. “When we decided to go, I thought it would be a good idea to donate to one of the local charities. That’s pretty much how it all came about.”

For Minehan, it’s the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

“Riding cross country is something I’ve wanted to do since I was a kid,” he said, “... the trip of a lifetime.”

will host a for the firefighters on Friday from 5-11 p.m. It is a chance for Spring Valley to support the initiative. Food and drink specials will be ongoing, and 20 percent of the food sales will be given to the men to help defray the cost of their trip.

Cali Comfort and owner Shawn Walchef decided to become involved after he heard about the trip from Minehan, his friend with whom he plays in a basketball league.

Soto said that this is by far the longest trip that he, Roberts and Minehan have taken.

“Hopefully nothing goes wrong along the way,” he said.

The route and itinerary is pretty much laid out, according to Soto. He said the plan is to arrive in New York on Friday, Sept. 9. The riders will then meet Terry Farrell’s brother Brian, who established the fund. On Sept. 10, they will ride into Manhattan from Long Island for a motorcycle rally and barbecue, sponsored by the TFFF. They will also visit other fire departments across the city, and do some personal sightseeing while in the Big Apple.

But above all, they will be there to honor the fallen.

“It means a lot to us to be able to support and remember those that lost their life on 9/11,” Soto said.

Though Soto and Minehan were both still training to be firefighters when the attacks on Sept. 11 happened, they both said that they weren't deterred from wanting to be firemen.

“It really reinforced what I wanted to do,” said Minehan.

Stop by Cali Comfort on Friday to meet the firemen and give your support. For more information, call 619-337-0670.