Blue Knights Ohio XV History
In March of 1988, Richard Greer, an avid motorcycle enthusiast and Chapter XV's first President, discovered the existence of the Blue Knights' International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, Inc. While attending a seminar on outlaw motorcycle gangs, he met two law enforcement officers, who identified themselves as members of the Blue Knights'. With their assistance, Rich researched the club's background and history. Finding that many law enforcement officers in the area were also motorcycle enthusiasts, and would benefit from the fraternalism of the Blue Knights' organization, he began canvassing the Lake/Geauga County areas in hopes of finding motorcyclists in the law enforcement field who were interested in joining an organized motorcycle group. His hope was to incorporate this group into the international law enforcement organization, the Blue Knights' International Motorcycle Club, Inc., already in existence with approximately 8000 members at that time. His efforts were successful and by obtaining 15 members the group became chartered as the Lake/Geauga County Chapter, Ohio XV of the Blue Knights' Organization in May of 1988.
The first elected officers were President Rich Greer, Vice-President Mark Laccheo, Secretary Bill Murphy, Treasurer Dave Harvey, and Delegate Jack Donahue. The other 10 charter members (by last name) were Angelo, Blake, Brettreger, Dodaro, Demico, Duncan, Garbo, Messina, Overstreet, and Willis. They represented the following police departments: Eastlake, Kirtland, Kirtland Hills, Mentor, East Cleveland, and Lyndhurst. With the Chapter's first organized meeting being held in June of 1988 the remainder of that year was spent setting up the chapters protocol and policies. In 1989, Chapter officer's remained the same with the addition of Pat Willis as a Delegate.
In February of 1989, the chapter swore in it's first Honorary member, Skip Nason. March of 1989 brought discussions of charitable events the chapter would sponsor. Where in, the chapter began working on a toy run to take place in September of 1989 for a charity that was yet to be named. In April of 1989 a designated chapter vest, colors, and a dress uniform was adopted for participation in parades.
Early in June of 1989 tragedy struck our Chapter. Mark Laccheo, the chapters first Vice-President, died from a massive heart attack at the age of 36 (our first Heaven 1 member). In honor of Mark, our September Toy Run got its name "The Mark Laccheo Memorial Run" which was held by our Chapter annually each September. The First Annual Mark Laccheo Memorial Run went off as scheduled with approximately 136 motorcycles on a rainy overcast day. $1500.00 was collected for our fallen brother's family as well as four large boxes of toys which were donated to the Lake County Salvation Army.
Since this first charitable event, our Lake/Geauga County Chapter Ohio XV, brought together thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts, donating tens of thousands of dollars and goods to charitable organizations in the Northeast Ohio area for the love of motorcycling and our communities.
On August 28, 2016 our 27th Annual Mark Laccheo Benefit Ride to benefit Camp Ho Mita Koda for diabetic children involved 145 motorcycles, and 195 persons. At the close of the day, Camp Ho Mita Koda was handed a check for $7,200 to provide camperships to diabetic youth! Since that first event for the Camp over $32,000 has been donated to HMK, Helping Kids with Diabetes. Thanks for all those who donated hours and dollars to our effort on behalf of children with Diabetes!
Today our Chapter consists of 23 members who also enjoy riding and fellowship with other Blue Knights' throughout the continent and the world.
