A former Chatham-Kent firefighter and current volunteer with Wounded Warrior and Boots on the Ground is looking for help to win his dream motorcycle and help support veterans and first responders.
Alan McGuigan of Blenheim has entered a contest called Dream Chopper to win his dream bike and help design it alongside legendary manufacturer of custom motorcycles Paul Teutul Sr., the founder of custom motorcycle manufacturer Orange County Choppers and the focus of the reality television series American Chopper.
McGuigan told CK News Today that he fell in love with motorcycles at a young age when he saw a couple of big hogs pull up to his work.
"When I was 17 years old I worked at a grocery store in Cedar Springs, the Cedar Springs Market, and on a Sunday these two Harleys came up and one was canary yellow and I said to myself I'm going to have one of those one of these days," said McGuigan.
McGuigan said he would love to represent Chatham-Kent and Canada in the Dream Chopper contest and on the American Chopper television show and needs all of the votes he can get to win the motorcycle.
He said his dream bike is a low ride profile "bobber-style" Harley, all blacked out with fat rear tire, custom rims, custom ghost black and gold paint on the tank reflecting some of his fire service, Wounded Warrior , and Boots on the Ground.
"This thing came up and I thought this would be really cool because you can design it the way you want it. In the paint job I would include some of my firefighting background, my volunteer work with Wounded Warrior and Boots on the Ground and integrate that into a black and gold design," McGuigan said. "It's exciting that I'm this far. I didn't think I would make it to where I'm at now, but I'm hoping to make it further. I thought about the Monopoly game that Chatham-Kent got their name on and thought wouldn't it be cool if everyone in Chatham-Kent was able to vote for me so I can get this and represent Chatham-Kent on American Chopper."
McGuigan retired from Chatham-Kent Fire and Emergency Services in 2018 after being diagnosed with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He said he started to fear riding his motorcycle after seeing so much carnage as a firefighter, but his love of choppers returned soon after his retirement with the help of his psychologist and bought another bike and started riding again in 2021.
He said it would be priceless to meet Teutul Sr. and Hollywood actor Danny Trejo, who makes a guest appearance on the show.
Click here to vote for Alan. Votes can also be bought and the money raised will go to help veterans.
As of Tuesday, McGuigan was sitting in first place in his group and hopes to move to the next stage on Thursday.
The contest winner will be announced on May 26, 2023.
