Blue Knights take care of each other, community

“There are no strangers, only friends you haven’t met.” That’s the view the nonprofit fraternal organization Blue Knights has of its 18,000-plus members in more than 24 countries. This philosophy demonstrates members’ freedom to visit other chapters in any location and be welcomed like family.

The Blue Knights have the common bond of a career in law enforcement and a love for motorcycles. Members are either retired or currently working in a variety of law enforcement careers.

“We’re all good friends,” said club president John Carson. “We really look after each other.”

Looking after one another is more than just rhetoric. Last year, a roadside assistance program was created that provides members with a list of fellow knights who can assist with problems while traveling.

“A lady heading home to Canada from an international conference near Chicago had trouble,” Carson explained. “She ran out of money and broke down outside Spokane. We brought her home and put her up for a couple days. We gave her cash to get home. She has been a lifelong friend ever since.”

The Blue Knights was formed by a small group of law enforcement officers from Maine in 1974. There are now groups in the United States, Europe, Canada and Australia. The Spokane chapter was chartered in August 1982 and has 30 members. The monthly meeting is on the second Saturday of every month year-round. The meeting is a “ride” to different locations.

“Our favorite location to meet is the Harvester in Spangle,” Carson said. “We’re a very social club.”

The club prides itself on creating a social environment. Besides the monthly meeting, there are many conferences members can ride to, and an annual summer West Coast conference, which will be in Tacoma next August. The West Coast conference consists of 41 chapters with more than 1,300 members. Individual chapters also hold special events throughout the year.

“One time we left the West Coast conference being held in Lake Tahoe for another event in Mount Rainier, Washington. We rode 500 miles in two days,” Carson said.

Besides all the conferences, members can receive discounts, at various businesses nationwide. For example, The Men’s Warehouse offers a 10 percent discount and Best Western offers 20 percent discount to Blue Knights members. Club apparel and merchandise are available from a yearly catalog sent to members.

Besides all the social events, members worldwide help those less fortunate. Organizations such as Make-a-Wish foundation, Toys for Tots, D.A.R.E. and Concerns for Police Survivors have all benefited from the Blue Knights. From September 1991 to June 2004, the Blue Knights have contributed more than 148,791 hours, donated items with an estimated value of $505,115 and given $4,205,881 in cash to various charities.

“We were involved in a cancer ride about four months ago,” Carson said. “We also donate to the Cops Run every year, which helps the family of police who have fallen.”

Carson has been a member since 1985. His wife, Wanda, is an honorary member. The club’s bylaws allow three honorary members, who are civilians who haven’t been active in law enforcement but support the Blue Knights. Although the club allows only three honorary members, the club does encourage family members to participate in the club’s functions, enhancing the whole family feel.

“We are family,” Carson said. “We watch each other’s backs. We care for each other without question.”