The 2024 Freedom Fighter Award goes to Jiggs Cressy for his tireless leadership of ABATE of South Dakota, where he served as State Coordinator for fourteen years. Cressy has advocated for South Dakota’s riders in the State Capital countless times and has made eight trips to do the same in Washington as well. Cressy has also received the John "Farmer" Eggers Award, the most prized honor from the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, in 2018.
Leadership & Advocacy
Jiggs served as the ABATE of South Dakota State Coordinator from 2009 to 2023, and as Vice Coordinator from 2005 to 2009. He also led as Chapter President of ABATE's largest chapter in South Dakota. His instrumental leadership focused on rights, education, legislative lobbying, and safety for motorcyclists, both within the state and for those attending the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally from around the world.
Influential Roles
Since 2005, Jiggs has been a key figure at the Heartland STEAM Motorcyclists Rights 7-State conference, serving as Coordinator three times. His partnership with the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) in Washington D.C. spanned two decades, during which he lobbied at Bikers Inside the Beltway numerous times. As an attendee and presenter at both HEARTLAND STEAM and the MRF Meeting of the Minds, he made significant contributions to motorcyclists' rights.
Recognitions & Awards
Jiggs' unwavering dedication earned him the President’s Cup from the MRF and the prestigious John “Farmer” Eggers award, recognizing his tireless efforts on behalf of motorcyclists across the country.