|
|
|
|
The history behind the Blue Knights!
The BLUE KNIGHTS® is a non-profit fraternal organization consisting of active and retired law
enforcement men & women who enjoy riding motorcycles. In the Spring of 1974, Ed Gallant from the
Bangor, Maine P.D. and Chuck Shuman from the Brewer, Maine P.D. met with five other officers from
the area and formed a small, local motorcycle club. The rest, as they say, is history. Soon, Blue
Knight chapters were being formed in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and beyond. With the addition of
Canada, and later Australia, the Blue Knights became an international organization. As of December
2007 we have nearly 20,000 members in nearly 600 chapters in 28 countries!
According to the By-Laws, our purposes and goals are to:
1. Provide for the mutual assistance, enjoyment, entertainment, education, physical, mental and social benefit of its members and the general public.
2. To promote and advance the sport of motorcycling and the safety of motorcycling.
3. To serve the interests of motorcycle owners and users.
4. To promote by example and any other acceptable means, safe use, operation and enjoyment of motorcycles.
5. To develop a fraternal spirit between law enforcement personnel and the general public.
Many Blue Knights work long and hard to raise money for various charities. Especially near to our hearts is helping
children. Make-a-Wish Foundation, Toys for Tots, D.A.R.E., and Concerns of Police Survivors are some examples of our
favorites. As of September 2006, Blue Knights have donated to numerous charities; contributing time in the amount of
156,555 hours (@$20 per hour), goods with an estimated value of $520,579.63 and $4,810,469.45 in cash for a total of
$8.462,149.08 (USD).
We're the good guys!
The Blue Knights is a family fraternity. Spouses and children often accompany our members to the various rides and
functions. When travelling, local members can provide assistance, directions and sometimes a place to stay. We are
truly a family. Among the Blue Knight members, "There are no strangers, only friends you haven't met."
|