History of Colorado VI

In 1995, a group of active motorcyclists, who also happened to be local law enforcement officers, decided that the time was right for a local chapter of the Blue Knights. Up until this time, the two closest chapters were Colorado 1 in Denver, Co., and Colorado 2 in Pueblo, Co. The Pueblo chapter was actually chartered out of Canon City, but elected to hold meetings in Pueblo. Given the distances involved with attending meetings, it was clear that another chapter was needed.

Anyway, two of this chapter's founding members, Robert Johnson and Ken Moore, decided to begin the task of creating a new chapter. These two individuals, along with six other guinea pigs (no pun intended) formed what we now know and love as Chapter 6! If my memory serves me right, the first meeting of our beloved chapter was held at a local restaurant here in Colorado Springs. Once granted permission to create a new chapter, the eight intrepid souls began the task of installing a governing body, so to speak. What a surprise it was when every member was assigned a post within the organization! Now what do we do? Every member was assigned a leadership or director's position. We looked at each other and said, "Who were we going to lead or direct?" Thankfully, those initial eight members were able to threaten…I mean, convince other members to join. Once that there were some members to lead, the business of actually running the chapter could begin.

The next few years saw the chapter hover around one to two dozen members. This was a time of learning and growing. We sadly said "good-bye" to some members, and "hello" to others. It was during this time that our chapter adopted the El Paso County Children's Advocacy Center as our charity of choice. One of our current members, Karl Herndon, was and still is active with this cause. The Center is involved with children who are identified as "at risk" by either their parents or their surroundings. Once Karl briefed the membership on the particulars of this organization, it was unanimously decided to adopt it as our own.

That brings us to our most recent history. The last two to three years has seen this chapter experience tremendous growth! We have been able to recruit members from all of the surrounding law enforcement agencies. This has had the desirable "word of mouth" effect. You know, you tell two friends, then they tell two friends, and so on, and so on…you get the idea! Anyway, our current membership stands at approximately fifty (50) members! That tells me two things. One, we must be doing something --or a lot of things--right to attract new members. Second, we must be doing something right to keep the new members from leaving. What a far cry from that first meeting in 1995, wouldn't you say?

In the Spring of 1974, several law enforcement officers* from the Bangor, Maine (USA) area met and 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.

*Our Founding Fathers are: Joel Rudom, Bill Robinson, Doug Miner, Ed Gallant, Mike Hall, Chuck Gesner, Wayne Labree, Chuck Shuman

As of 1 July 2004, we have over 17,000 members, more than 500 Chapters in 21 countries!

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 1 January 2008 Blue Knights have donated to numerous charities; contributing time in the amount of $3,299,600 (164,980 man hours @ $20 per hour), goods with an estimated value of $571,830.89 and $5,344,537.88 in cash for a total of $9,215,968.77 (USD).

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."