What happens when a lifelong love of Volkswagens meets a mission that is bigger than the car itself? You get a Volkswagen Beetle with a story worth sharing.

In Episode 88 of DubLife Diaries, we sit down with Spencer Crutchley, founder of Thank Our First Responders, to talk about an incredible custom 1971 Volkswagen Beetle built to honor fallen law enforcement officers, firefighters, and first responders.

Spencer's journey began with a passion for Volkswagens decades ago, but his current Beetle has a much deeper purpose. Built as a tribute to his brother-in-law, Lee County Deputy Scott Wheeler, who tragically lost his life in 2011, the car has grown into a rolling tribute to the men and women who serve and protect our communities.

The Beetle features custom details, including a chopped roof, suicide doors, first responder graphics, and hundreds of patches, signatures, and tributes collected from agencies and supporters across the country.

But the mission doesn't stop there.

Spencer is working to visit all 67 Florida counties, collecting signatures from every Florida sheriff, with the ultimate goal of taking his Beetle to Washington, D.C., for National Police Week in May 2027. There, he hopes to display the car and deliver a powerful tribute at the National Law Enforcement Museum.

We also talk about the nonprofit's work providing meals to first responders, the support of community partners like Chick-fil-A, the incredible generosity of the Volkswagen community, and the personal stories that keep Spencer pushing forward.

This episode is about much more than Volkswagens. It's about family, friendship, community, honoring those who serve, and using something you're passionate about to make a difference.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• Spencer's decades-long Volkswagen journey and the cars that started it all.
• The story behind his custom 1971 Volkswagen Beetle.
• Honoring Deputy Scott Wheeler and all first responders.
• The mission behind Thank Our First Responders.
• Collecting patches and signatures from all 67 Florida counties.
• The road to National Police Week 2027 in Washington, D.C.
• How the Volkswagen community continues to show up and support one another.
• Ways you can help support the mission.

GET INVOLVED & FOLLOW THE MISSION:

Follow Thank Our First Responders on Facebook and Instagram to see the Beetle's journey, upcoming appearances, and opportunities to support the mission.

If you're part of the VW community, a first responder, or someone who believes in recognizing the people who serve our communities, this is a story you'll want to hear.

ABOUT DUBLIFE DIARIES

DubLife Diaries is a Volkswagen lifestyle podcast celebrating the people, stories, cars, and community behind the VW culture. From classic Beetles and buses to custom builds, road trips, VW events, and the people who make this community special, we're here to share the stories behind the Dubs.

Subscribe, follow, and leave us a review. And if you know someone with a great VW story, we want to hear about it!

Don't just drive a Dub. Live the DubLife!