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SECURITY EXCLUSIVE, "ROGER" THAT!  TheArnoldFans: How did you get the job and how was it for the first time to meet Arnold? Roger Bir: I was contacted by Al Judy back in 1989. Most of us had worked with Arnold and Jim when both hosted the Mr. Olympia, so they knew of and felt comfortable with our abilities. As for meeting Arnold for the first time, that happened back in the 1973. I was stationed in California and had read a copy of Weider's magazine while in Vietnam. My ship was home ported in Los Angeles and I thought "what the heck." A couple of us (from the ship) went to Weider publications and asked to meet Arnold. At that time, Gene Mozee' was one of Weider's feature editors and was interested in the fact we had built a gym on board ship and were training there. He arranged the meeting with Arnold at Gold's Gym and I ended up being the only one to go, meet Arnold and train with him for a couple of weeks. TheArnoldFans: How is your friendship now? Have you ever been on his Christmas gift list of have you ever been given movie premier tickets or a gift for your services? Roger Bir: My exposure to Arnold has been limited to just the classic. A couple of years ago, my son's grandfather passed away and I contacted Maria to ask a favor. She had just written a children's book about dealing with death and I asked that if copies were sent, would she put a personal message in them. I sent out two books (one for my son and one for his cousin) and Maria put in a very caring and personal message to each of them. As for a gifts, this past year (2003) he gave us personalized "T-3, Return of the Machines" Terminator jackets. As for movie tickets, we've kidded him for years about giving all of us a part in one of his movies. We decided (as a group) that when "True Lies 2" is made, that will be the one we'll ask for a part in as several of us are Jamie Lee Curtis fans. Below Roger poses with Arnold's good friend and T3 stuntman DIETER RAUTER.  TheArnoldFans: How far in advance do you plan for the Classic? Roger Bir: With regards to planning the classic. Early on, all of us used to meet about two months before the classic at Jim Lorimer's house in Columbus. There we'd discuss who would be coming in with Arnold and any possible logistics problems. Now, the planning is left between Jim Lorimer, Gary Berry and Larry Winters. In turn, Gary and Larry notify us as to the particulars. A couple of years ago when a Planet Hollywood was holding its grand opening in Columbus, we were called in to provide protection. As with all openings, it was a star-studded gala. TheArnoldFans: Tell us about your typical experience working for Arnold. What are Roger's tasks throughout the event? Roger Bir: There is nothing "typical" when working with Arnold. As for my tasks, I'm responsible for knowing the different vendors that Arnold is scheduled to visit. We do a walk through and try to visualize any logistical problems that we could run into. To give you an example; know where short-cuts are, how to get him around a large crowd, what avenues are available in case we have to quickly move him, etc. Below Roger poses with Wonder Woman star Linda Carter and Louie from the Hulk.   TheArnoldFans: Since Arnold will not be around as much as past Classics, I'd image that the photo opportunity was cut this year? What other events were cut? The training seminar perhaps? Roger Bir: Yes, Arnold¹s time this year is supposed to somewhat limited. I would really doubt the photo opportunity would be cut because it's a big part of the ticket-purchase package offered to spectators. As for other events, I've not been told what areas have been shortened. It appears Arnold will be traveling with at least 12 CHP officers to this years classic. I've not heard any further details regarding how we'll coordinate with the additional help, but I'm sure they're (the chp officers) are in for an eye full when they see the contingent at the expo. TheArnoldFans: What do you think of Arnold the Govinator? Roger Bir: Arnold has always been a man of vision. He wanted to be the best bodybuilder and achieved that. He then moved to the cinema and became a household name. There were aspirations to direct and he's accomplished that. There are no hidden agendas when it comes to politics. He¹s not in it for fame or fortune because he's "been there....done that." He believes in what's best for the people of California and not just giving "lip service" in order to be elected.  TheArnoldFans: Top 3 Favorite Arnold movies? Roger Bir: I'd have to say; True Lies, Kindergarten Cop and the first Terminator. TheArnoldFans: Tell us a funny Arnold story no one has ever heard. Maybe some funny fan interactions or a story Arnold shared with you. Give us a juicy one :) Roger Bir: Not sure as to how "juicy" this is, but a couple of years ago two of us (bodyguards) met a couple of models working the classic. We became quick friends and both were interested in knowing the entire workings of the Arnold Classic. Well, after the banquet on Saturday night, Arnold has a private party back at his hotel. At the party, Arnold makes rounds and speaks to everyone in attendance. Nonetheless, our dates were very much impressed, impressed to the tune of my not getting back to the hotel until 5am the next morning and our having a 10am rendezvous to start Sunday¹s activities. We picked up Arnold and he asked, "did everyone have a good time last night?" Mum was the word from my end, but Larry Winters quipped, "well, some of us had a REALLY good time." Arnold looked at me and there was a big smile on my face and I was quickly turning red. Arnold wanted to know who kept me out so late and a couple of the guys promised to let him know just "who" the culprits were. We were making rounds through the classic when we approached the booth where the girls were working. One of the guys told Arnold, "this is the place" and from a distance Arnold said in a loud voice, "I want to know who kept Roger out until 5am this morning?". Both girls were somewhat shocked and poor Suzanne slowly raised her hand. Arnold gave her a big hug and thanked her for being a "gracious" hostess and taking such good care of me. Arnold then posed for pictures with Suzanne, her friend, Susan and myself. Since that time, I make it a special note to stop by and see the two of them and renew our friendship again for another year. Roger poses with Suzanne on his left, in the black outfit. CROM!!!  TheArnoldFans: How exhausting is The Arnold Classic for you? I'd imagine you have crazy hours and no sleep. Roger Bir: The classic is not that exhausting as it is rough on your feet. The floors are hard and all of us are in suits, so we're not allowed the luxury of casual dress. Our day starts about an hour before the doors open and we're there until we take Arnold back to the hotel for the evening. In between, we walk the floors, talk with vendors and discuss any changes we'll have to make to Arnold¹s appearance schedule. During previous classics, we've taken him to receive an award from the national chiropractic association. Last year, he wanted to see a tank, which had been donated to a local veterans post. The tank was supposedly one that Arnold operated when he was a member of the Austrian army. Or if Maria¹s along (with the kids) we could take them to any number of places around the Columbus area. Once he's back in the hotel (in between activities) and if time permits, we'll grab a quick shower and change suits. As for Arnold, I don't know where he finds the energy. As the day progresses and the schedule become hectic, he seems to draw on the strength of those around him. His energy level is never empty. One year, as luck would have it, I was given the suite next to Arnolds. A friend (from the Air Force) had joined me and we were riding up in the elevator to the room. When the door opened, there stood Arnold, Franco and Stan Winston. Arnold said hello and asked how the shopping had gone (we had a couple of bags in hand). We said, "okay" and asked if he wanted us to join them. He mentioned that Gary and Larry were coming behind them and that all would be okay (they were going to eat in the hotel dinning room) and if we wanted to join them, please do so. We exchanged places on the elevator and made arrangements to meet them in about fifteen minutes. I then looked at my friend, who was ghostly pale and told him, "it's okay to breathe," which he quickly did.  TheArnoldFans: Finally, what was the worst fan experience for you? Any big riots or fights with drunken or rowdy crowds? Roger Bir: Overall, the people have been pretty good. One year, there was a report from Chicago of a bodybuilder who had gone missing. His family said he was headed to Columbus for the Classic and had been disappeared over the past couple of weeks. We had a description and took the required precautions. On Saturday and during a private photo session, a glass window was broken behind a backdrop where Arnold was setting up. There were five of us in the room and within a second all of us had pulled weapons. Three of us moved to the window and two went towards Arnold. Arnold was speechless for about fifteen seconds while we moved him away and the rest of us secured the window. What had happened was an "enterprising" young man decided against paying for a ticket and decided the quickest way into the Veteran's Auditorium was through a window. Unlucky for him, he picked the room where the entire security contingent was present. Needless to say, he took off like a scarred rabbit Most of the time people are accommodating when it comes to getting Arnold's attention. We usually draw a line, with regards to spectators, when he¹s at the banquet and eating dinner. Like yourself, I don't think you'd appreciate someone snapping a picture when you¹re putting something in your mouth. TheArnoldFans: How long have you been Arnold's security guard now at the Arnold Classic? Roger Bir: I first become Arnold's security guard back when the Classic started in 1989. I had been a member of the Franklin County Sheriff's Office and two people that I had worked with were asked by Jim Lorimer (Arnold's partner) to put together a security detail. Of the original detail, I'm the only one who left law enforcement. The originals were: Al Judy Franklin County sheriff, Larry Winters-Franklin County sheriff, Michael Turner-Franklin County sheriff, Gary Berry-US Dept of Housing/Inspector General, Doug Grant-retired law enforcement. Al Judy and Doug Grant have moved over to handling all aspects of security for the marital arts portion of the Arnold classic. Those added are: OJ Floyd (patrol sgt) Kent State PD, Brian Smith (patrol lieutenant) & Joe Petarcek (patrol sgt)-Chicago Heights PD. The two who now head up the team are Larry Winters and Gary Berry. Al Judy and Larry Winters were partners of mine when I was with the department. Gary is the director of the Tactical Awareness Group, which specializes in personal protection, officer survival, impact weapons and VIPs protection consultants. So as you can see, Arnold is in pretty good hands.  Arnold and Rober Bir will be At The Arnold Classic! Will you? Arnold will be at the weekend the way he always has been. Don't let rumors keep you away from the weekend. Arnold wouldn't miss the chance to see you. The Arnold Classic is this week: March 5-7, 2004. TAFs won't be there this year due to empty pockets. But PLEASE do give us a full report when you get back. Take a camera and recorder to the Arnold training seminar so you can tell us exactly what Arno says about his future. It's first come first seated, so get there over an hour early and you will be sitting RIGHT IN FRONT of the Oak!!! ---------- 
   
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