'They look scary, but they're great guys': Ocala motorcycle clubs help those most in need - Ocala
For the Star-Banner
If a group of Harley-Davidson riders rumble up wearing black leather vests with a cracked skull on the back and the name Punishers LEMC, you might tend to get a bit uneasy.
But Dan Caputo, president of the Brick City/Ocala Chapter of the Punishers LEMC, or Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, says relax, it’s all good.
"We're the good guys," said Caputo, whose road name is "Jester.”
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The Brick City Punishers LEMC is part of a worldwide "brotherhood of law enforcement officers, court officers, correctional officers, and other justice system professionals, EMS, firefighters, military and other like-minded individuals" in an "old school motorcycle club" that began in 1999 in New York, according to www.punishersLEMC.com.
Members of the Brick City Punishers LEMC include Mark Graham, son of the late Ocala Police Department Chief Greg Graham.
Caputo was joined in a recent interview by Ed "Kreeper" Budd, a retired first responder of 25 years and formerly in the restaurant trade, and Matt "Guillotine" Taylor of the Citrus County Punishers LEMC, known as the Flying Eagle Club.
Caputo indicated in a tri-county event, including Marion, Citrus and the Leesburg area club, riders could number "in the 100s,” although number of members for the Ocala group has not been released.
Don't forget about the Fort King Chapter and the Copperheads
Jimmy Bohanon is president of a second Ocala chapter of the Punishers LEMC, which opened in March. The new group is called the Fort King Chapter and its fundraising efforts are planned to benefit local charitable groups including the Boys & Girls Club of Marion County.
Bohanon said the club is trying to change the perception of motorcyclists. “We’re not all bad guys,” he said.
The Central Florida Copperheads LEMC is another law enforcement motorcycle club. Its logo includes a skull, snake and crossed muskets.
The Copperheads LEMC limits membership primarily to active or retired law enforcement and judicial system personnel, with few exceptions. Several members of the Central Florida Copperheads LEMC are members of local law enforcement.
According to www.copperheadslemc.com, the fraternal group was formed by the "inherent quest for justice" and "recognition of a higher power."
Ocala Police Sgt. Ron "Bugsy" Malone is the founder and charter president of the Central Florida Copperheads LEMC, based in Ocala.
'The man, and his character, makes the vest'
Malone, a Navy veteran with service on submarines, has an MBA, juris doctorate and degree in chemical engineering. He has been with OPD for 15 years.
Malone has ridden motorcycles for 35 years and was part of the Shrine Motorcorps and its fundraisers for 20 years.
“The goal (of establishing the club) was to provide an avenue for officers and veterans to enjoy riding, embrace civic responsibility while off duty and raise funds for those in need,” Malone wrote in a text.
"I tell everyone that the vest or even (the) leather or bikes never makes the man. The man, and his character, makes the vest. We try very hard to separate ourselves from other types and focus on our mission to help others in need. In addition, we as LEOs (law enforcement officers) never run in the same circles (as motorcycle clubs which might not be law abiding) so it does not become a problem," Malone wrote.
The Brick City Punishers and the Central Florida Copperheads have both been "very supportive" of the Chief Greg Graham Legacy Foundation, a nonprofit named in honor of the late Greg Graham, who died on Oct. 25, 2020, in a private aircraft crash in Dunnellon, according to Angie Clifton, one of the founders of the foundation.
Both club presidents indicated their clubs will participate in a June 4 fundraiser for the foundation.
The Chief Greg Graham Legacy Foundation has provided outreach to the community including scholarships for police and firefighter training, support for the local Boys & Girls Club and funds for OPD to "attract and recruit" new officers.
Caputo said a poker run that benefitted the foundation was held last year. The run stopped at several area establishments and ended at O’Calahan’s Pub & Eatery in Ocala.
A son honoring his late father
Mark Graham, 30, of Ocala, joined the Brick City Punishers LEMC about a year ago.
"After dad died, the Punishers reached out to me and invited me in and have treated me like family ever since. I love the people in the club as well as the charity events we do for the community, because my dad loved his community and did a lot for it," Mark Graham stated in a text.
"So you can easily say that this is my way of honoring him. It’s why my club name is 'Chief.' It’s my way of carrying on his legacy of giving back," he wrote.
The Brick City Punishers chapter was opened about four years ago. Caputo said prospective Brick City Punishers are vetted and no one with a felony conviction is admitted.
The three Punishers members interviewed wore a vest patch that reads IAMMBK or "I am my brother's keeper."
A fund is kept to help any member who is injured or falls into need.
'We're grateful for the Punishers'
Gerri Gerthe, founder of the nonprofit Florida Kids Helping Kids (www.fkhk.org), said the local Punishers chapter raised $10,000 to aid the organization. The funds enabled the outreach to hire security and participate in the Marion County Southeastern Youth Fair.
Gerthe said Florida Kids Helping Kids assists youths in need with emergency food, shelter and other needs. The group also plans to become involved in providing housing for homeless teens.
She said the help from the Punishers made it possible to "jump start" their next venture.
"We're grateful for the Punishers," Gerthe said.
The Brick City Punishers held Toys for Tots fundraisers in cooperation with Charlie Horse restaurant on East Silver Springs Boulevard, Caputo said.
Marion County Toys For Tots director Patrick Joynt said the Central Florida Copperheads have been substantial contributors for several years, and the Brick City Punishers have raised about $40,000 to date for the TFT cause.
The TFT campaign accepts donations year round. For information, visit Ocala-fl.toysfortots.org
"They were fantastic. They look scary, but they're great guys," Joynt said.
source: https://www.ocala.com/story/news/2022/04/08/ocala-florida-motorcycle-club-roster-filled-law-officers-military/9483586002/
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