Blue Knights NY X History

The BLUE KNIGHTS started in April of 1974 when ED GALLANT a Police Officer with the Bangor, Maine PD, had an idea and along with seven or eight other "cops" worked with him to see the idea become a reality. The idea was to form a motorcycle club for the people in law enforcement. The name "BLUE KNIGHTS" was suggested by David Coleman, Chief of the Brewer, PD and John Bryant an artist for the Brewer, PD, drew the logo for the club. Other than the pride of being a "BLUE KNIGHT", it has many other rewards. It is an organization of law enforcement motorcycle riders whose dedication to helping people in need is surpassed by none. Its many chapter functions give members along with their families many lasting friendships and a bond that last forever between knights.

I would like to thank you for your inquiry and interest in our Blue Knights NY 10 Club! We have been in existence since 1979. We are proud to be currently, the largest Blue Knight Club in the entire Blue Knight Organization world wide and a member of the largest conference "Tri-State", consisting of Blue Knight Chapters from NY, NJ, and PA...Over the years I have been approached by many asking what is our secret of our great success? My answer is simple...make it "FUN" for our membership! Our Club encourages member participation and involvement. Our membership always come first! We have great BKNYX meetings which include free food nights such as Pasta night, Homemade Soup night, Irish Sheppard pie night, Chili-Cook off contest, Pizza nights, White Castle, dirty water dogs and Hero Nights, Cigar Nights and much more, followed by another second simpler meeting each month (2 meetings per month). Additionally we have a free summertime family picnic...open to all our neighboring BK charters, a successful annual Motorcycle Raffle with BBQ, a Annual Holiday party and a lot of BK events and rides thru out the entire year! A club is only as good as it's members...we are thankful for our members showing their support thru their actions by participating in all our events and getting involved. I hope you will consider coming to one of our meetings as our guest to see if you would enjoy the benefits we offer and make some new friendships along the way.

Conception
NY X started in the summer of 1979 and was officially chartered on Oct 1, 1979. It was the brain child of Teddy Taxter (NCPD). He had been a member of NY 1 prior to starting NY X.

New York X Founding Fathers
The founding members were Teddy Taxter (NCPD), Lt. Gene Walbhrol (NCPD), Jim Gardner (NCPD), Bill Costello (NCPD), Julie Moody (NCPD), Bob Shoemaker (NCPD ), John Miller (NCPD ), Joe Mahlmeister, (NCPD), Bill Michell (Hempstead PD), George Brown (NC DA). Along with several others made up the original New York X

First Honorary
Our first Honorary were Bill Stone and Joann Bonjovi. Joann's husband was with SCPD and also a member, but not a charter member.

Locations
Our first meeting place was a bar in New Hyde Park. We then moved to the Jolly Swagman Restaurant in Hicksville. (Jim Gardner was dating the owner’s daughter). We stayed there for years until we outgrew the meeting room. We had short stays at several places including Governors comedy club in Levittown. We then we went to the Am Vets for a couple of years and then to the Elks lodge in Hicksville and stayed there until it was sold. We then went back to the Am Vets and then to where we are now at BrewSA in Freeport.

It’s All About the Ride
Despite our small membership we rode, collectively, 200,000-300,000 miles a year. We attended every International convention from 1983 to 1998 with large numbers. We probably had 20 + people at Flagstaff, Az. in 1986. Almost that many in Miami in 1985 and more in Toronto in 1987, Rapid City in 89, Midland, Michigan in 90. I could go on, but the point is, we traveled far and wide. Probably over half our rides were to other Blue Knights events. We met other Blue Knights and formed friendships that are still strong today.

We still have three charter members in the chapter. I'm the only active one, but Joe Mahlmeister and John Miller are still with us. Joe had moved to Texas, but is back now and I don't think he rides anymore. And John has been living in Penn for a decade or two.

I remembered more than I thought I would thanks to a lot of photos of the old days. It brought back a lot of good memories.

Bill Michell

Richie Snizek
Bob Schiller
John Malandrino
John Kelly
Chet Smith
Charles Perry
Jimmy Schneider
Vinny Porsella
Larry Anderson
Bill Michell
Fred Kerlinger
Teddy Taxter