Tanner Brownlee, the son of Weld County Sheriff’s Deputy Sam Brownlee, tried to purchase his father’s retired squad car at an auction to support a charity organization for families of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.
Tanner set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds but was outbid by local farmer Steve Wells, who paid $60,000 for the car, which had a valuation of $12,500. However, Steve, who had initially planned to donate the car to a women’s shelter, changed his mind after learning about Tanner’s story and gifted the car to him instead. Since the auction, Tanner has added personal memories to the car and intends to keep it forever, eventually passing it down to his children.
Tanner’s journey to reclaim his father’s car was filled with emotion. For Tanner, the squad car wasn’t just a vehicle, but a symbol of the memories he shared with his dad before he was tragically killed in the line of duty. Every detail of the car held significance, from the radio his father once used to the seat where he had spent countless hours protecting their community. As the bidding war escalated at the auction, Tanner felt his hope slipping away, but the support from the community kept him going. Even after being outbid, the act of raising money for charity was Tanner’s way of honoring his father’s legacy of service and giving back to those in need.
When Steve Wells handed over the keys to the squad car, Tanner was overwhelmed with gratitude and disbelief. The moment was met with applause and tears from the crowd. Tanner’s relationship with the car has since deepened; he has installed a small plaque in the vehicle to honor his father, and he takes it to charity events in memory of his dad. What began as a desire to keep a piece of his father close has turned into a powerful symbol of community support, kindness, and the lasting bond between a father and son.
