What began as a hobby for Officer.com Editorial Director Frank Borelli has now become a successful non-profit bringing together Jeep enthusiasts to raise money for public safety.
The retired police lieutenant, who has overseen Officer.com and its sister publications Law Enforcement Technology and Law Enforcement Product News for nearly a decade, recently helped launch the group Patriotic Jeeps Supporting Public Safety, Inc. to coordinate and organize fund-raising to benefit public safety professionals and other non-profit organizations.
"With Jeep owners being well known for their patriotism and sense of 'can do' spirit, it seemed only natural to . . . not so much 'tap into' that energy and spirit, but somehow help direct some of the excess amounts toward fun events centered around Jeeps and Jeep owners," Borelli said.
He stressed that the overall goal is to raise funds to support law enforcement, firefighters, EMS, rescue and other public safety professionals.
On Saturday, the group will hold its first large-scale event at the Tiki Bar in Solomons, Md., Borelli said that what was first expected to be an event attended by 100 Jeep enthusiasts with their vehicles has grown into one in which 500 vehicles are expected with support coming from a local Jeep dealership and various vendors.
Visit the event page for the First Annual Tiki Trek & Jeep Show 2015 for more information.
