We are located in the Minneapolis / St. Paul Metro Area.

If you are interested in joining our organization, please send an e-mail to MN4@blueknights.org  We will respond to your request for further information.

Welcome to our web site.  Much of the older information has been purged in order to allow new material.  You will see that the club is devoted to fun and foolishness, while the web master provides unique commentaries and solicitations for more fun materials.

If you are a licensed professional peace officer, active or retired and ride a motorcycle (doesn't matter if it's 2 or 3, Loud pipes or sewing machine quiet) you probably qualify to be a member of the group.  We often get asked questions about the club and they are addressed under F.A.Q.  

Those of us in Minnesota didn't get a chance to see the eclipse that traveled across a lot of the country.  Fortunately, we were advised on what it looked like. They tasted great with cold milk!

Taxes are due on April 15, 2024.  

Are you Irish?  IF not we will make you an honorary Irish person.  Just Remember that when you see a Kiss Me, I'm Irish button or sticker you ask permission first or you might wind up in Human Resources...again.  Don't Ask.

Did you celebrate at Bakers Square, Carols Kitchen or someplace else with your favorite flavor?  If not, why not?

For those of you from outside of Minnesota you may not be familiar with our ever changing weather.  In the last week we have had temperatures in the single digits to the low 60's.  Winds have gone from none to 'Is that Dorothy and Totto' fast.  We have had sunshine, rain, and snow.  

We know that all of the weather changes can be blamed on high school sports.  Every March Minnesota State Championships are held for basketball, wresting and others.  It's a tradition every year and all minnesotans know this includes the wacky weather! 

The funerals for Police Officer Paul Elmstrand, Police Officer Matthew Ruge and Firefighter / Paramedic Adam Finseth is today.  

This is going to be a very tough day for ALL of the emergency services folks.  

Think Dispatchers, C.S.O.'s, Individuals who are in training for public safety, Detention Deputies, Police Officers, Sheriff's Deputies, Conservation Officers, Troopers and all the folks in the Alphabet Agencies (CIA, DEA, FBI, NSA, Secret Service, US Marshalls and many many more).  Finally, their will be many a retiree at the funeral as well.  

Say an extra prayer for the familes of the fallen and the Burnsville Police and Fire Agencies!

Burnsville city officials identified the victims as Police Officer Paul Elmstrand, Police Officer Matthew Ruge and Firefighter / Paramedic Adam Finseth.   More details will be forthcoming.

Our Blue Knights chapter has decided to make a Challenge Coin.  We are using it as a fund raiser. For those that don't know, we fund raise and then make charitable donations for select causes.  Our chapter makes donations to many different organizations including medical, law enforcement, military and special causes.

The cost of a coin is $15.00 plus $3.00 for shipping in the U.S.  The coin can be shipped out of the country for a total of $30.00  To submit an order please go to  IV Challenge Coin Purchase Inquiry or copy this bkmn4coins@gmail.com to your e-mail.  Leave your desired number(s) of coins with your name, address, etc.  Santas elves will get in touch with you regarding payment.  Once the elves get a confirmation on your payment it will be sent out lickety split.  That's Minnnesssoootttaaa for right away.  If you have any questions, please send them to the same e-mail address.

In 2013, our Webmaster stepped away from the Chapter web site in order to focus on the Blue Knights Midwest Region Conference website.  It's a lot like this but he has multiple states and provinces he has to keep up on.  He decided to let someone else take over the Chapter site.  

Lo and behold, a fool (volunteer) decided to take a shot at it.  After many attempts to make something work or look the way he wanted this web page came to be.  Many of our members contributed their thoughts, towards making the page look respectable and presentable.  Sometimes thoughts in the new webmasters head came out on the web page not quite right, but fixes were made.  

The current webmaster has been keeping people, anoyed, laughing and sometimes muttering under their breath with all of his innane thoughts that are usually caffeine driven for over 10 years.  Today, we are celebrating over 99,000 hits on the web page.  Once we hit 100,000 the webmaster has been told he will be showered with gold, silver, exceedingly handsome good looks, and all the other stuff they advertise at 02:00 on the cable channels.  In case none of that happens, please know he will continue to post strange, unusual and random thoughts.  Godspeed and Ride Safe!

Who helps the professionals when stuff is going bad?  Peace Officers often reach out to other Peace Officers, family members or a religious figure.

Here at MN-IV, we have someone who is always willing to answer the call. Everyone has his/ her private phone number.  It's funny how few people have his/her private top secret, eyes only phone number. Recently we heard that one of his/her immediate relatives has had a recent run in with the medical community.  Who is that person suppose to reach out to? Obviously family and anyone he/she trusts as well as the lord.  Rumor has it that their is an entire church family also adding in their prayers.  We want everyone to know that all of us at MN-IV, hope for a quick, complete full recovery for the family member. We also wish peace and hugs to all of the family.  Sir/Madam, you like to keep things quiet and you keep secrets better than a Police Investigator, but we have our sources.  Godspeed!  

We are happy to report the patient is doing great in recovery.  The private person has stated he will figure out who our sources are and how everyone knew.  Trust me many have tried but we are professional secret keepers.  In fact we often won't tell ourselves the secrets.  If we have secrets we follow the Men In Black Rule and Neuralize ourselves so we don't know what we don't know.  Are you confused yet?  Good, we like to keep our friends, family, enemies, etc. also confused.

On January 4, 2024, David Soul passed.  He was 80 years old.  Some people only knew him as part of the Starsky and Hutch duo from the tv show in the late 70's.  In the show Hutch was said to have come from Duluth, MN and had a reserved and intellectual approach to law enforcement.  With his partner they answered to the radio call sign "Zebra Three" while driving the Striped Tomato (1975 Ford Gran Torino).

If you have a police officer as a friend or family member, National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day on January 9 is the perfect time to show officers we understand how difficult their job is. So it’s important to show officers how much we understand their difficult work and appreciate their sacrifice and risk.

For a while the United States’ idea of law enforcement was fairly loose. The Wild West was, well, wild. And most states and cities didn’t consider emergency services like firefighters and police officers to be necessary until much later than most would think. In the mid 1800s, most law enforcement was carried out in the form of posse comitatus, where the sheriff and a posse of volunteers and deputies (much like the stereotypical Westerns of the 1960s) would enforce laws rather than a centralized police force. 

Once the 20th century rolled around most larger cities, counties, and states had developed a centralized police or sheriff’s department. In doing so, most of the country slowly started to see a reduction in the “Wild West” and a more tame and domesticated America, despite many of the newly formed local authorities needing to pick sides in a rise of unionizing laborers going on strike. 

Whether its civil unrest, labor strikes, huge sporting events, or just helping a cat get down from a tree, law enforcement officers are a critical part of our lives, woven into the everyday fabric of living in America. They keep our neighborhoods safe and help ensure that whatever it is you need to do, you can do with peace of mind.

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day was created by multiple organizations in 2015 to express their gratitude for officers in the United States. In support of their services citizens are encouraged to do their part in thanking the law enforcers on this day. One of the main organizations to take the lead in this is C.O.P.S – Concerns of Police Survivors. According to them, law enforcement officers need to be shown that the difficult career path they have chosen is recognized by the people who they protect and uphold the law for. 

This holiday was triggered by the chain of events in 2014, when a police officer was involved in a crossfire shooting in Missouri. The backlash and violence that followed this event led C.O.P.S to take the initiative to change this negative portrayal of police officers in the news in recent years into a positive one. With over 900,000 officers in the United States, the organization believes it is essential to support law enforcers during difficult times, and a holiday dedicated to them does just that. The day also raises awareness on the importance of understanding that the difficult decisions taken by police officers are in the best interest of citizens and the law.

We are unsubscribing to 2024 - After the free 7-day trial we decided we don't like it!

As we start the new year we recognize, those that have left us in the last year and joined Heaven 1.

• Dale Werth
• Dave Pasicznyk

We also say goodbye to club members who have moved on due to a variety of reasons.  We wish each of them the best and good health.  

• Dickie Joe Turner

Today is the last day of 2023.  We hope each of you were able to accomplish any goals you had such as:

Hugged your family and friends more.

Spent more time riding your motorcycle than polishing it.

Beaten any diseases you encountered.

Completed that project or task that you had been working on.

Encouraged those around you.

Rode through Maranatha Church at the Blessing of the Bikes.  This list just wouldn't be complete without a shoutout to Pastor Mike and his team.

I'm sure you get the idea.  Here's hoping the new year will be better than the last.

According to our sources at NORAD Master Gunnery Sergeant S. Claus and his crack team had a successful delivery operation.  Master Sergeant S. Claus was assisted by various charities throughout the world.  The USMC annual toy drive, Anoka County Toys for Joy and other organizations supplemented where they could.  

Our hope is that those who are less fortunate were taken care of.  We wish peace and good will to all across the globe.

Today, we voted on and accepted 2 new members to MN IV.

The first was an Illinois Air Bear who was with an Illinois Blue Knights chapter. He decided to return to Minnesota where his family is from.  He brought his favorite co-rider (Lady Air Bear) with him and we look forward to their joining us on rides and events.

The second is a retired Minneapolis Police Officer.  After retirement, she went to work at MSP Airport for a "short time".  It's been over 5 years, so we are not sure how she defines short time. She said that our Ride Master Scott G. invited her on one of his many planned motorcycle trips with the Blue Knights, GWRRA, etc. and the next thing she knew she met some of the Blue Knights.  She learned that the people are silly at a meeting and that was all it took.

We are wondering if this is the begining of a pattern.  We have had MN State Patrol Air Wing Captains as members in the past.  Maybe with our new Air Bear member he will entice others to take a break from the friendly skies and join us on one of Gravel Don's rides.  We know those who operate Trooper 5 or any of the other MN State Patrol Aircraft are the cool kids because they get to fly for free.  One pilot described flying is like driving a squad at speed without any stoplights getting in the way!

Happy Turkey Day to all our friends, acquaintances, family and weird relatives. You know who you are.  You are often referred to as The Usual Suspects...Smile it makes people wonder what you are up to!

Today is Veterans Day (originally known as Armistice Day) is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on November 11, for honoring military veterans of the United States Armed Forces.^[b][1][2] It began, and now coincides with other holidays, including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, which are commemorated in other countries, marking the anniversary of the end of World War I.^[3] Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. At the urging of major U.S. veteran organizations, Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.^[4]

Veterans Day is distinct from Memorial Day, a U.S. public holiday in May: Veterans Day commemorates the service of all U.S. veterans, while Memorial Day honors those who have died while in military service.^[5]Another military holiday that also occurs in May, Armed Forces Day, honors those currently serving in the U.S. military. Additionally, Women Veterans Day is recognized by a growing number of U.S. states that specifically honor women who have served in the U.S. military.

Ted E. Bear turned 38 years old today.  He thought with all the government agencies being closed due to the observation of Veterans Day, they were celebrating his birthday.  Did you remember to send him a card?

So what if Friday the 13th is in October this year?  It's not like their will be a Solar Eclipse on Saturday the 14th, or a Boo Spectacular Holiday on the 31st.

Oops, all of the above are actually happening.  You better lay in extra supplies for you, your loved ones and your fury friends.  This could be the start of Armagadeon, Covid, Cold & Flu Season or it could be a whole lot of nothing. Either way, it's getting darker earlier here in the Land of 10,000 taxes.  Make sure to keep your eyes open for kids and critters trying to enjoy the last bit of sunlight and warm weather before Mother Nature and Jack Frost show up. Keep your motorcycle clean each time you get to ride, because, it may turn to freezing the next day.  Then you would be storing a dirty motorcycle in your garage.  It's not exactly a sin but I'm sure Pastor Mike would scold you.

Today is the day that has previously been known as Columbus Day.  Someone felt the day was a negative celebration and it is now known as Indigenious Peoples Day.  Yes the Native Americans were here before Columbus discovered America.  After all, who do you think Columbus got to meet?  Running Bear and Little White Dove of course!  Yes, I know it's a song by Johnny Preston, but it does celebrate love.  The world can use more of that.

Twenty two years ago, a group of terrorists attacked our country.  They used our own good nature and trust to take over 4 airplanes and kill thousands of Americans.  If you were alive at the time, you can probably remember where you were.  Many of us were at work.  After the first tower was hit we like so many were hoping it was a horrible accident.  Unfortunately, it wasn't an accident.  It was terrorism against the U.S.A.  Their goal was to kill as many americans as possible.

Those of us working straightened up, double checked our gear, maybe even added a few other supplies and went out to back up our partners where ever they were and prepare to go headlong into any danger that dared to cross our paths.  I know of unmarked squads riding 'heavy'.  Patrol officers on 'routine' calls were suddenly being backed by Detectives and administrators.  Schools suddenly had a presence of unmarked, dark tinted window vehicles, with somber men and women praying that nothing happed to their charges.   Violent Crime and Drug Task Force Officers who work undercover were out as well. These individuals are normally armed to the teeth and this was no exception. Dispatch centers were inundated with calls of every kind.  The dispatchers demonstrated professionalism and tact while advising people that the public safety folks are out there and will continue to be.  To a person everyone was hoping for the best and preparing for the worst in case someone dared to mess in their community.  

Spouses were told we are fine and will be home late.  The spouses knew what was going on.  Their loved ones were once again honoring their oath to Serve and Protect.  

Unfortunately, the terrorists were able to turn 2 airplanes into bombs and struck the North and South World Trade Center Towers in N.Y.C.  As many of you know, 'The Towers' ultimately imploded.  One airplane bomb was flown into the Pentagon.  The 4th Airplane was forced to crash in a field rather that its possible target of the White House.  A group of indidivuals on the 4th plane knew that they were going to be sacrificed by the terrorists, because of what they had learned while in the air.  They were able to fight back against their captors with the war cry 'Let's Roll'.  They gave their lives in order to stop the terrorists from succeeding in their destination.  Many civilian and public safety lives were lost as a result of the airplane bombs.  

As the events unfolded during the day, their was talk of United We Stand, We are One, Remember Flight 93, etc.  Politicans came out talking about how we are united and we will not let this atrocity go unanswered. 

During the unfolding of these events, many of our military personnel who were stateside training, enjoying a little R&R, etc. were activated.  It's been reported that some of the more notable Special Operations sites were buzzing with activity and then those sites were empty a day later.  Military personnel literally disappeared from the sites.

The only thing flying was U.S. Military.  Everything else had been grounded.  It seems a lot of those F16s, C130's and other craft suddenly had a need to be in the air and they weren't wasting any time.  Navy ships locations were not being advertised, but we all knew what was going on.  

During the subsequent days, many politicans came out speaking about Unity and how a sleeping giant had been awoken.  

Today, it is 22 years later and our great country is divided by our politicians who seem more intent than ever to ruin our country.  

One politican in 2020 even described 9/11 as 'some people did something'. That politician who was born outside of the USA and is still in office. See the photo below.

On August 31, 2021, all of our troops left Afghanistan, and the longest war in our countries history ended.  The US Military left behind aircraft, vehicles, weapons, communications and a multitude of other items.  The Taliban who took credit for the 9/11 events now are better armed than ever thanks to the decision by unknown individuals to leave equipment behind.  The politicians are now saying that we need to bring even more people who helped during the war into the USA as refuges.  

Our wish is that their is never another horrific event like 9/11 in the US or anywhere else!  Hopefully, we have learned from our mistakes.

Be Safe and remember our fallen.

Recently MN IV members and family have had a bit of bad luck.  It seems everyone seems to be trying to top each others medical maladies.  I don't want you to get the impression we are a frail, weakly bunch because we are not!  After all our group has careers of suffering through personal and professional tragedies.  We have held those who are in the process of passing from this world to the next.  We have provided comfort and understanding to the survivors and those who are suffering from their own personal losses.  

We take a page from Pastor Mike and try to do the right thing. Currently many of our members are fighting their own personal battles with the diseases that inhabit society.

Effective Immediately under Blue Knights Rule 23-007, I as a Board Member prohibit anyone of our members, their family, friends, guests, people they think they know but they actually don't from getting sick!

You would almost think I was a legislator considering how confusing the above paragraph is.

Seriously we want all our members to recover from what ails them.  We want them healthy enough to pester the web master for a long, long time.  

Today, Miss Lilly and her partner in mischief Walter "No Offense" hosted our monthly meeting at their home.  After the meeting was over, the food was tested, sampled, tried, evaluated and generally inspected before it was devoured by the attendees.  Everyone agreed the goodies were delicious and the visitation was enjoyable as always.  Thank you to our hosts.

Today, was our monthly meeting.  Many of our group are on the East Coast enjoying the International Convention.  After our meeting, Gravel Don led us on a leisurely ride throughout MN and WI.  Eventually, Don led us to a ice cream and cookie shop in River Falls, Wi.  If you get the chance to try Mei Meis don't pass it up.  You can find all kinds of snacks to bring home.  The Lemon Blueberry ice cream and cookies are highly recommended!

Mei Meis

Today, is one of those days that everyone should know about.  I don't need to repeat what has been in place in 1776.  Never forget we are 1 generation from our Independence.

Today was the Maranatha Church Blessing of the Bikes.  Pastor Mike, his staff and volunteers including Maranatha Freeriders put on a great event!  There were 982 motorcycles and 1,300 riders blessed today by traveling one of the 4 lines.  At the end of the day and the majority of the cleanup was done 3 quite last minute arrivals were blessed by Pastor Mike himself.  

He never wants to see anyone travel without the lords blessing and he truly means it!  At last months meeting several Blue Knights let him know that they would be unable to attend the blessing on the 4th because of family commitments.  Pastor Mike preaches the importance of family and the next thing you know several motorcycles and riders were blessed independently.  As always we thank Maranatha Church members, volunteers and the Freeriders for graciously allowing us the priviledge of being one of the first groups through.

Here's some ground rules for this Memorial Day Weekend.

1. Don't wish me a Happy Memorial day, for there is nothing happy about brave men and women dying.

2. It's not a holiday or a sale, it's a day of rememberance.

3. You want to know the true meaning?  Visit your local cemetery or a VA Hospital, go to a local Memorial Day Ceremony, not Disneyland or a mall.  Teach your children why we honor this day and what sacrifice really means.

4. Say a prayer and reflect on the dedication of the men and women that this day honors.

P.S. Veterans Day is in November and is set aside to honor all those that have served.  Memorial Day is for that that gave the ultimate sacrifice

This is the time to remember that the true price of fredom is sepnt in the lives that defende it.  Honor our brothers and sisters that have given the last full measure to secure our freedoms.  Amen!!  Thank all Veterans past and present for their service.  

Author Unknown, but it's well stated!

In case you didn't know it many Blue Knights also served in the U.S. Military.  We salute everyone of the grunts, frogs, chair force and crayon eaters!  Ask a veteran or a Peace Officer what their nickname is/was.  Then ask them how they got it!  

If you have never been in escort such as this, let me share some thoughts with you.  

Everyone of those vehicles is full of professional individuals who know the dangers of being a Peace Officer.  They may know it personally or through friendships with Deputies, Mounties, Officers, Special Agents, Troopers, etc.  The inside of those cars are a very somber place during an escort.  The only sounds are a police dispatcher overseeing the event via radio and giving updates to the participants.  Many a tear is shed during these events.  

Recently one of our mischevious group was suddenly seriously ill.  Although she was struggling she had some great backup in her corner.  Her hubby took care of the immediate issues while waiting for the people with the good drugs to help solve the problem.  The patient is in recovery mode. Apparently shortly after her hubby left the hospital for a shower and change of clothes, she woke up.  She called her hubby and asked where he was.  Then she told him she needed a burger.  Sounds like her sense of humor is returning. Hubby said it was the best phone call he ever got and he snuck some food into the hospital as well.

As we start the new year we recognize, those that have left us in the last year and joined Heaven 1.

• Dan Harshman
• Bob Crawford

We also say goodbye to club members who have moved on due to a variety of reasons.  We wish each of them the best and good health.  

• Jerry Dexter
• Bruce Miller
• Andrew Roeder

On December 13, 2022, a Tip came into Anoka County Central Communications (2800).  A citizen had spotted The Grinch in Andover (The Edina of the North). Immediately an alert was sent out to all on duty staff.  Everyone mobilized knowing how much the grinch was wanted.  

The SWAT Team loaded up in the Peace Keeper,  The Dive Team fired up The Airboat, The Aerial Unit drones were activated.  

Neighboring agencies activated and immediately took up a perimiter to make sure he wasn't able to escape.

The DNR responded on snowmobiles.  

The State Patrol Aircraft Unit was already in the air with helicopters and aircraft.  The Red Knights set up the multi-story ladders to watch over the scene.  

The Green Knights mobilzed a Field Force as well.  

Allina staged ambulances in case The Grinch decided to put up a fight and needed medical care afterwards.

2800 reserved a channel for the ongoing search to locate and take The Grinch into custody.  The men and women of public service were not going to let him get away on their watch.  

In short order The Grinch was in custody.  No one was hurt and Christmas was saved.  

The Grinch was taken to the Anoka County Bed & Breakfast where he was going to be held without bail.

Pastor Mike said that he had a feeling The Grinch was going to turn over a new leaf and argued for his release.  In the spirit of good will, the Anoka County Judges ordered that The Grinch be released into Pastor Mikes care.

Pastor Mike said that after The Grinch spends christmas with all the good people of Maranatha Church, their is no way he will be able to avoid the Christmas Spirit!

Today, a horrible accident happened in the twin cities.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the men and women of law enforcement.

Peace Officers - If you are having a rough day and feeling like no one likes you and your job, go to the following website.  SIGforum

Para and many of the members of SIGforum, are strong proponets of professional peace officers who have a tough job to do.  Just read some of the comments and you will start feeling better!

Introduce yourself to your neighbors.  They may want to go for a ride on your motorcycle.  You could have another person become a member of the motorcycle community, or at least not be afraid of them.

 E-mail: MN4@blueknights.org

If you are reading this, you probably have a friend, family member, loved one, neighbor, etc. that is in the field of Public Safety as well as a motorcycle enthuasist.  Remind them to Wear Their Vests!  Don't leave them on the front seat of the car until they are really needed.  Yes they are hot.  Yes they are warm, but it's easier to wash off sweat at the end of the shift then a bullet.  Sure we may smell a little, but I promise you a hug from a loved one saying thanks for wearing your vest but you stink is much better than the alternative.

  Drivers and Passengers

PLEASE remember to keep your eyes open for us. We drive squads, rescue rigs, motors and ambulances.  We do it fast and precise.  We are more fun to watch than NASCAR since we don't make just left turns.  Don't try capturing video of us while you are driving.  Yes the lights on the rigs are pretty, but pay attention to your driving.  Give us extra room when you pass us while we are helping others.  We appreciate all the distance between us on foot and you in your vehicles.

If you see our lights on or hear our sirens, please get out of the way as quickly as possible.  We are on a mission to help! Pull over to the right shoulder and give us the right of way. We want to get to the scene as quickly as possible and help as many as possible.  

Make sure to keep your eyes open after the first emergency vehicle passes by.  We are like deer, if you see one, you will proably see many more coming.

Finally, If you want to see the pretty lights up close stop by your local public safety agency and ask to see them. Bring your children, grand children, neices, nephews, etc.  Let them meet some real heroes; the men and women of Emergency Services.

If you have a humorous photo or cartoon that is motorcyle related, please consider sending it to our e-mail.  We will review it and may place it on our web page. You could become infamous as a result of your photo appearing on our web page.  

Now for the legal disclaimer about your photo / cartoon:

You won't be paid for submitting your photo.

We have the ultimate say in what is posted in good taste and humor.

We will credit the author if known. 

If you see something you like tell your friends.  If you see something you don't like, please share your concern with us.