In 1994 Rick Rutel started NY XVIII when he found out that the original members of NY XVIII were going to let the chapter fold after only one year in existence. Rick contacted the Tri-State Conference Board and was told that he needed to apply for a new charter but would be allowed to keep the existing chapter number. That was when the present NY XVIII became a brand new chapter. At that time Rick and John Gianos were members of CT VII. The founding members of NY XVIII were:
President: Rick Rutel (Yorktown Hts. Police Officer)
V. President: Joe Olenik (NYS University Police)
Secretary: John Gianos (Rockland County S.O.)
Treasurer: Ron Serao (Rockland County S.O.)
Directors: Kevin King (Yorktown P.D.), Bill Griggs (Yorktown P.D.), Joe Maschak (Yonkers P.D.)
Members: George Davis (Yorktown P.D.), Gary Fister (Yorktown P.D.), and Kevin Soravilla ( Yorktown P.D.).
The charter was issued by the then Tri-State Conference Board using John Gianos' home in Rockland County as the contact address.
NY XVIII continued to grow in the early '90's under the leadership of Rick, and the word got out that we were a fun Chapter who liked to go on dinner rides every Wednesday night. Soon members of other Chapters started to meet up and join our rides, and a great time was had by all.
By 1996 the Chapter had grown to a membership of 20 plus active members. Rick was appointed New York Rep. to the Tri-State Conference and in the Fall of 1996 Rick stepped down as the President of NY XVIII and turned the reigns over to Russ Harper, a Police Sergeant with the Croton-on-Hudson PD, who became the Chapter President. Over the next couple of years the Chapter continued to grow under the leadership of Russ. Rick retired from the PD and moved with his family to Florida where he is now an active member of BLUE KNIGHTS FL XV.
Over the next six years the Chapter has continued to grow and now has an active membership of over 50 members. As a result of this growth, the Chapter is now holding their meetings at a restaurant instead of at individual homes. During this time period, the Chapter became a large supporter of the BLUE KNIGHTS COPS RUN to Washington, DC. as well as many other worthy charities. The Chapter still continues the Wednesday night dinner rides during the riding season, which start at the Bear Mountain Inn in Bear Mtn, NY, and opens it's arms to any and all BLUE KNIGHTS who wish to join us for good times and friendship.
Russ Harper, has just recently been elected to the position of BLUE KNIGHTS Tri-State Chairman, and has stepped down as the Chapter President, turning the reigns over to recently elected Chapter president, Guy Cook, a retired Palisades Interstate Parkway Police Sergeant.
As the progress continues the Chapter will never forget the early days. The friendships made will last a lifetime. Under the leadership of Guy and the continued support of our great members, BLUE KNIGHTS NY XVIII will continue to expand and have great times riding our motorcycles together as it was meant to be.
*** Ride with Pride *** Ride with Pride*** Ride with Pride *** Ride with Pride ***