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Massachusetts
Chapter I
P.O. Box 431,
Brockton, Ma.
02303-0431
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The Blue Knights®
International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, Inc started in April 1974 when Ed Gallant, a police officer
with the Bangor, Maine Police Department, had an idea and 4 or 5 other
Police Officersworked with him to see the idea
become a reality. They all enjoyed motorcycles and they all
enjoyed riding. The idea was simple, “lets just
form a motorcycle club for law enforcement officers”! Some of the early members were
Chuck Shuman and Urgan Dyer, of the Brewer Police Department; Wayne
LaBree, Sheriff's Office; Dough Miner, Game Warden Service; Bill
Robinson, Maine State Police; Joel Rudom, Peboscot County Sheriff's
Department; and Chuck Gessner, Probation & Parole.
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The name "Blue Knights" was
suggested by Dave Coleman, Chief of the Brewer Police Department and
John Bryant, an artist for the Brewer Police Department, (not a member
of the Blue Knights) drew the logo for the club.
The news of the Blue Knights
organization began to spread after articles ran in the Bangor Daily
News and in the Road Rider magazine. Inquiries by Dick DeLesliner
and John Darrah of the Brockton Police Department in Brockton lead to
the first chapter in Massachusetts. In November of 1974, the 1st
meeting of a MA Chapter was held at the Brockton Police Department.
Dick and John got onto the teletype and sent information out to all the
other departments. As a result, inquiries started pouring into Maine. The MA I Charter was set up, not
only by Dick and John, but with the help Joe Ensko, John Dolye, George Dixon,
Evan Gurman, Larry Bennet, Ozzi B., Mike McInturff, Ron Blood, Willie Doo and many others.
The chapter grew to over 300 members. However, because the officers
were coming from all over the state, the chapter eventually divided
into 16 other chapters through out the state.
The Blue Knights continued to
grow over the years, as has the structure, which now includes an
expanded International Board, Conferences and Chapters. The Blue
Knights are an incorporated fraternal organization operating under an
International Constitution and Bylaws. The organization has
survived many growing pains to reach its size today. Now there
are approximately 18,000 Blue Knights, (more than 391 Chapters) in 24
countries
worldwide. Some are the following: United States, Canada,
Australia, France, England, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany,
Switzerland, Sweden, Austria, Norway, and Mexico...and we grow
annually. Ed Gallant's dream of having a motorcycle club and riding
with fellow officers has become a reality.
The Blue Knights organization
have been very active in various charities, many of the projects
include: September 11th Fund, Toys for Tots (our Chapter - Brockton
Area), C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors), Special Olympics,
Shriners Burn Center, Ronald McDonald House and many other Chapters
events as well as many non Blue Knights events. If you want, you can
find a Ride every weekend ranging from charities, “Blessing of the
Bikes” in early spring to “poker runs”, “toy rides” to even a
“Polar Bear Ride” in December.
There is always a worthy cause and a great ride.
The Blue Knights is a family
fraternity. Spouses and children often accompany our members to
the various rides and functions. When traveling, it’s very common
to see two Blue Helmets to a bike. Additionally, local members provide
assistance, directions and sometimes a place to stay to visiting Blue
Knights’. We are truly a family. Among the Blue Knights
members, "There
are no strangers, only friends you haven't met."
...They Truly...
"Ride With Pride"
"Roulez
avec Fierté"
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