By CLARKE STACKHOUSE / Staff Writer

 

HELENA— The Blue Bloods Motorcycle club hosted a fundraiser for the Helena Police Explorers on Saturday, July 20.

Blue Bloods is a motorcycle club made up of 80 percent active and retired law enforcement officers and 20 percent of regular civilians, said Steve Dickson, Alabama Blue Bloods spokesman.

Club members held a motorcycle ride that started at Max Motorsports in Pelham and ended at Papa Saia’s in Helena, where live music was provided by Deputy 5.

Proceeds from the event benefitted the Helena Police Explorers, a training program for teenagers who are interested in law enforcement. Dickson said the Helena Police Explorers only receive $5,000 a year to cover all costs.

The fundraiser hosted more than 100 motorcycles and riders. Dickson said the final amount of funds raised has not been determined, but he knows it is more than $1,000.

“This is one of the only ways they would take donations,” Dickson said. “So I got together our group, and here we are.

The Explorers range in age 14-21 and have many fees including competitions and uniforms he said.

“The program takes care of all cost associated with being an explorer,” Dickson said. “They provide uniforms, boots and anything else they could possibly need.”

All explorers must have an A/B grade average and have no previous problems with law enforcement.

Dickson said that Explorers also have the opportunity to move on directly to the police academy after completion of the program.

Helena Police Explorer Capt. Nick James, 18, said the program is set up like a real police department, with ranks of Captain, Lieutenant, and First and Second Sergeant.

“I love the Explorers,” James said. “It really provides hands-on training into law enforcement.”

James said he plans to continue with the Explorers and attend the police academy.

For more information on the Blue Bloods Motorcycle Club, visit Bluebloodsmc.com.