Love and respect for our country and those who fight for our freedoms and our communities has always been part of the DNA of the PBR (Professional Bull Riders).
In 2017, the PBR unveiled Celebrate America to honor local heroes, inspire our youth and unite our communities.
One year later, during the 25th PBR: Unleash The Beast, the league continues to honor brave and selfless American heroes. The PBR has moved to “Step Forward” in its 2018 Celebrate America campaign – intending to affect change by contributing to local communities while remembering those who have sacrificed for our nation.
While in Arlington, Texas for the second Major of the season, the WinStar World Casino & Resort Iron Cowboy, powered by Kawaski, top riders from the PBR had the opportunity to embed with some of our nation’s finest firefighters.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 20-21, rider Keyshawn Whitehorse joined the Arlington Fire Department for a ride along followed by participation in the unit’s live fire training. Ahead of the PBR’s first visit to Texas, the firefighters created a replica of the Texas flag from firehoses set to be auctioned off at the Iron Cowboy event, with proceeds benefiting the Arlington Professional Fire Fighters Foundation.
On Tuesday, Whitehorse spent the afternoon at the division’s firehouse, meeting the entire unit and participating in a ride along. Whitehorse had the opportunity to see his new friends in action when they responded to a call at a local high school.
After seeing the Arlington Fire Department at work, Whitehorse suited up the following day, joining the department’s rookie class in live training drills on Wednesday. In full gear, weighing upwards of 60 points, Whitehorse was shown how firefighters go about approaching a structure fire, experienced what it’s like to work in a building that’s experienced a fire, and learned how to use the tools the firefighters deploy on a daily basis, including the various hoses.
While Whitehorse was exhilarated by the experience, he has no plans to make a career change from being a professional bull rider.
PBR’s WinStar World Casino and Resort Iron Cowboy, powered by Kawasaki gets underway Saturday, February 24 at 5:50 p.m. CT at AT&T Stadium. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at the AT&T Stadium Box Office and Ticketmaster.com, or by phone at (800) 745-3000.
