Members can be recognised by a three-part patch on the back and on the left side of the chest of their uniform. In the centre is the Maltese cross, above which is the word ‘Firefighter’ or the type of membership, for example ‘Active Member’. Below the Maltese cross is the name of the chapter - in Germany ‘Germany’ and the number of the local association.

The promotion of motorbike sport among firefighters and their families and the cultivation of camaraderie among motorbike-riding firefighters at home and abroad are among the aims of the Red Knights. Maintaining contact with other motorbike enthusiasts and supporting non-profit, charitable and social organisations and foundations is also important to them, as German spokesperson Micha Pförtner emphasises.

The real story of the motorbike-riding firefighters began in the summer of 1982 in the USA. Back then, several firefighters visited a motorbike shop, ‘Randy's Cycle Shop’, in Boylston. There they got talking about motorbike clubs. They all grumbled that there was a club for law enforcement officers called the Blue Knights, but none for firefighters. Without further ado, the shop owner suggested to a firefighter named Ed Wright that he should start a club instead of complaining.

That very afternoon, Ed Wright made some hand-printed posters and invited firefighters from his neighbourhood to a meeting to gauge interest. Soon after, Fire Chief Jack Pierce allowed a small group of motorbike enthusiasts to meet at the Northboro (Massachusetts) Fire Department headquarters to lay the foundation for a motorbike club.

Incidentally, any firefighter can become a member of the Red Knights MC®. The prerequisites are completed fire service training, whether voluntary or professional, a motorbike driving licence and, of course, access to a motorbike. But the partners and children of firefighters also have the opportunity to be part of the community. There are separate membership types for this.

At least seven firefighters are required to set up their own local association. The foundation is applied for at the international board in the USA. In each country there is a country representative who provides support with all questions relating to the club and assists with the founding of a chapter.

‘When my husband co-founded the second German chapter of the Red Knights MC® in 2009, I wasn't at all keen on the idea of an organisation that was part of the MC milieu. I couldn't imagine wearing a cowl while riding a motorbike,’ says Sarah Pförtner from Wolfenbüttel, the wife of the German spokesperson and long-time member of “Germany 2”. Despite her initial reluctance, she attended the events, which became more and more frequent over time. ‘I met people from all over Europe, Australia and the USA,’ she recalls. ‘And although sometimes you could only communicate with a few words, hands and feet, there was something that fascinated me: a sense of community, something very special! Camaraderie among motorbike-riding firefighters all over the world. A bit like being at home among like-minded people everywhere. I've also been a member of the Red Knights MC® for almost ten years now and look forward to every event where I can proudly wear my (!) cowl.’

Jürgen Galuba from Castrop-Rauxel is also enthusiastic. ‘Turbo’, as he is known, founded Red Knights MC Germany 9 on 14 August 2014. “Even at a young age, I was fascinated by everything to do with technology, especially vehicles,” he says. ‘The fact that I then worked in the fire service had a formative influence on the rest of my life.’ He identifies one hundred per cent with the goals of the Red Knights. ‘I'm proud of it,’ assures “Turbo”.