Red Knights Motorcycle Club®
PA-37
Loyal To Our Duty
History of the Red Knights, (RKIFMC)
During the summer of 1982, several firefighters were visiting “Randy’s Cycle Shop” in Boylston, Massachusetts. The subject of motorcycle clubs came up in discussion. Soon they were all grousing about the fact that law enforcement people had a motorcycle club known as the Blue Knights, but there was no club for firefighters. After the tire kicking session, owner Randy Wilson suggested to Ed Wright, a firefighter form Northboro, MA, that he stop talking about the lack of a club and form one instead.
Recognizing a good idea when he heard one, Ed went home that afternoon and made some hand printed posters inviting firefighters from the area to meet and determine if there was enough interest to form a motorcycle club. On August 17th 1982, Fire Chief Jack Pierce allowed a small group of motorcycle enthusiasts to meet in Northboro Fire Headquarters to lay the ground work for the formation of a motorcycle club.
On October 19th, 1982, firefighters Colin Mackey, Bob Bourassa, Edward Wright, Roger Wentzell, David Hamilton, Bob Goulet, David Hunt, Jonathan Tripp, Don Parker, Norm Beausoleil and Chief Jon Pierce met again. There was interest in promoting the positive image of motorcycling while enjoying the camaraderie of other firefighters. It was decided then that this group would be known as the Red Knights Motorcycle Club® News of this new club spread like a grass fire. In July of 1983, a second chapter was formed in Connecticut. In October of that year a second chapter was in Massachusetts was raised. Soon applications came in from such distant places as Nevada and Louisiana.
In 1984, the first club convention was held in Boylston, MA. Each year since, a convention has been held for all RED KNIGHTS.
In August of 1983 the founding members realized the organization was rapidly growing beyond their original expectations. To properly handle the growth, they elected a committee to serve as the National Board of Directors. With applications from Ontario and Saskatchewan Canada, the club became known as the …. Red Knights International Firefighters Motorcycle Club®, Inc.