Heroes Serving Heroes: Copperheads Motorcycle Club Gears Up for Annual World Meeting

Ashland, Ohio—The Copperheads Motorcycle Club’s Ashland chapter is preparing for their annual World Meeting, a significant event that draws members from across the globe. I had the opportunity to meet with Todd Grim, President of the Ashland chapter, at Fin Feather Fur Outfitters in Ashland, where the club was gearing up for the gathering.

“We are a well-established, spread-out club,” Grim explained. “We have five chapters across Ohio and many others throughout the United States, as well as internationally in England, Scotland, Canada, and the Cayman Islands.” This year, Ohio is the proud host of the world meeting, and members from various chapters are convening in Ashland before heading to Columbus, where the event will take place over the weekend.

 

The Copperheads Motorcycle Club is unique in its composition and mission. While it is a law enforcement motorcycle club, membership is not limited to law enforcement officers. “We accept first responders, corrections officers, court officers, attorneys, magistrates, veterans, and active military,” Grim noted. “We even allow a small percentage of non-qualifying members who don’t fit into these categories but are still interested in joining the club.”

This inclusivity highlights the club’s commitment to serving those who serve. The Copperheads’ primary mission is to raise funds to support law enforcement officers who are injured in the line of duty or, in tragic cases, to assist the families of officers who have fallen.

A Legacy of Support

Each chapter of the Copperheads Motorcycle Club engages in various charitable activities beyond their core mission. For the Ashland chapter, this has included raising money for abused and neglected children—an issue close to Grim’s heart due to his professional background. “We each do our own things on top of the overall club goal,” Grim explained.

A key event for the club this weekend is the Terry McDowell Memorial Ride, an annual tribute to Officer Terry McDowell, a Whitehall Police Department officer who was tragically killed in the line of duty in 2001. The ride, which raises funds for law enforcement and their families, is open to anyone, not just club members. “We picked this date for our world meeting so all the Copperheads can be involved in the ride,” Grim said.

Changing Perceptions

Grim is keenly aware of the stereotypes often associated with motorcycle clubs, and he is quick to differentiate the Copperheads from the outlaw image. “We’re pretty much the exact opposite,” Grim emphasized. “We’re first responders and police officers who enjoy helping the communities we live in. We want people to realize that when they see us.”

The Copperheads Motorcycle Club is dedicated to being a positive force in the communities they serve. Their mission statement reflects this commitment: “The singular focus of the Copperheads Motorcycle Club is to support and assist all law enforcement, military, public safety, and their families during times of need.”

As the club prepares for this weekend’s events, they continue to embody their motto—heroes serving heroes—through their actions and their dedication to supporting those who protect and serve.

For more information on the Copperheads Motorcycle Club or to participate in the Terry McDowell Memorial Ride, visit Copperheads LEMC or their Facebook page