Annual event raises money for families and provides scholarships for children of fallen law enforcement officers.
by Matt Konkle
Torque Managing Editor
DOVER, Del. — At first glance, the massive NASCAR speedway looming a few steps away may seem like an ironic place to house a Jeep gathering. After all, the vehicle itself will never be mistaken for a speed machine with carefully crafted aerodynamic curves and powerful, throaty engines.
No, these are hefty performance-type hulks of steel and aluminum built to accomplish all kinds of plow-ahead tasks while retaining a rugged, burly appearance. And the people who drive them are known to accomplish all kinds of tasks as well. For both themselves and others. With an unparalleled work ethic, uncompromising loyalty and togetherness that can only come from a dedicated community that loves giving back to worthy causes.
For that is what brought many of them to a sun-splashed Dover Motor Speedway on a late summer September Friday and Saturday.
A cause.
This one is better known as Jeepers Back the Blue and its sixth annual edition brought about 1,000 Jeeps and probably three times that number in people to Dover for two days of celebrating the work of law enforcement and first responders, interacting with numerous aftermarket product vendors, food, games, music, and demonstrations and displays from 10 different police agencies.
Additionally, interested Jeep owners could register both days to drive several laps on the ‘Monster Mile’ — the speedway’s track that has hosted NASCAR racing since 1969.
”Jeeps are the all-American vehicle and proud Americans support law enforcement,” said Event Founder and Organzier Jeff Lehnert. “That’s what this event is all about – supporting law enforcement with a goal of raising money for the families of law enforcement officers who have passed away while on active duty, but not in the line of duty.”
Jeepers Back the Blue chooses families across the country to support and also creates scholarship funds awarded to children of fallen law enforcement officers. The checks usually end up around $7,500.
This year, one of those recipients was Ashley Koslicki along with daughter Scarlett — wife and daughter of Virginia State Trooper Sgt. Nicholas Koslicki, who passed away in a tragic boating accident.
Lehnert said he read about Nicholas and reached out to the Virginia State Police, and was able to get a check to the family which helped with important medical bills.
Both mother and daughter were able to attend Saturday and received a standing ovation during an afternoon ceremony.
Organizers were also able to bring in Running 4 Heroes Inc., a non-profit founded by Zechariah Cartledge, whose mission is to raise awareness for fallen First Responders by running one mile for every responder who makes the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
Friday, Cartledge and several local Dover-area law enforcement officers ran the entire ‘Monster Mile’ together, with Cartledge finishing first and then heading back to link up with those who hadn’t finished, only to cross the line again with them because the group says “No one is left behind.”
Cartledge was also joined on the track by Matthew Heacook, whose father Keith, a Delmar Police Cpl., was killed in the line of duty in 2021.
“I think it’s really special because we get to run for all the heroes that died, like my father who died in the line of duty, as well as everybody else — we get to run for them on duty and off duty,” Matthew Heacook said.
Jeepers Back the Blue attends events throughout the year to accomplish fundraising tasks, but September’s annual event is the group’s signature gathering and attracts attendees from all over the region and country — both law enforcement and Jeep enthusiasts.
The organization was founded in 2017 following the tragic loss of Delaware State Police Cpl. Stephen Ballard who was gunned down in the line of duty. That first year saw about 75 Jeeps participate, which then jumped to over 750 in year two and has steadily climbed each edition.
”This weekend was both incredibly successful financially for the foundation, but even more so emotionally for so many people in attendance,” said Jeepers Back the Blue Founder Jeff Lehnert. “From the Running 4 Heroes (Zechariah) running the track to the widow of Virginia State Trooper Nicholas Koslicki making an unexpected appearance, it was a weekend full of emotion, fun, and purpose.”
