History of the Organization

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 Officers worked 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.

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."