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History of the Blue Knights DE WThe Blue Knights started in April, 1974 when Ed Gallant, a police officer with the Bangor Maine Police Department, had an idea and 7 or 8 other "cops" worked with him to see the idea become a reality. The idea - to form a motorcycle club for people in law enforcement.
The name "Blue Knights" was suggested by Dave Coleman, Chief of the Brewer Police Department. John Bryant, an artist for the Brewer PD (not a Blue Knight) drew the logo for the club.
The first rides were in Maine and often ended at the Black Knight Restaurant in Brewer; however, the members traveled to New Brunswick, New Hampshire, Quebec and Rhode Island, as well.
The news of the Blue Knights organization began to spread after an article run in the Bangor Daily News was picked up by U.P.I. Articles were also run in the Road Rider Magazine. Inquiries started to form. The first chapter outside of Maine was in Brockton, Ma. In Canada, the first chapter was in Moncton, N.B. - N.B.I.
The first convention was held in 1975 at Squaw Mountain, Maine. It was attended by many of the early members.
The club has continued to grow over the years, as has the structure, which now includes an expanded International Board, Conferences and Chapters. We 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 worldwide in the United States, Canada, Australia, France, England, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, and Mexico... and we grow annually.
Our chapter, New Jersey XI, received its charter in February 1982 with 15 officers from various police departments within the Ocean County. Two of the original charter members remain with our chapter. Our first meeting was held at the Dover Township Police Department. Our first president, and founding father, was Al O’Conner from Dover Township PD.
The rewards of Blue Knights are:
Enjoying the company of different people who share not only the common bond of law enforcement but also the love of motorcycles. Being able to visit your friends in any of our member countries and being treated like family. Receiving get well cards from people you've never met (there are no strangers in the Blue Knights, only friends you haven't met yet). Riding with Blue Knights spouses and children who give that added family touch. Going to handicapped children's camps, giving them rides and support. Ed Gallant's dream to have a motorcycle club and to ride with his fellow officers has become a reality.
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