The Defenders is a motorcycle club for active and retired law enforcement personnel, including corrections, firefighters, paramedics, probation officers, career military personnel, as well as local, state and federal government officials and public safety professionals. The club was founded in 2004 in Naples, Florida by local law enforcement officers who were seeking a motorcycle riding club for the purposes of traveling short and long distances together and share camaraderie and solidarity. Shortly there after, the club registered as a non-profit organization as they became involved in local fund raisers and charities to help families of fallen or stricken police, fire or military personnel. Since 2004, the Defenders organization has spread to five states with almost a dozen chapters with more forming on a regular basis. In 2006, the club formed a National Board of Directors who govern the separate chapters to ensure adherence to the organization's bylaws.