New Route Honors Officer Herndon’s Hometown in Memorial Jeep Ride

By: Grace Smith – Wise News Network

MOUNT HOLLY, NC (WNN) – In a tradition of remembrance and support, a Jeep club is gearing up for the fourth annual Just Jeepin’ 4-A Cause. This event is dedicated to honoring the legacy of fallen officer Tyler Herndon. 

The event, scheduled for Saturday, March 16, 2024, will start at 11:00 a.m., departing from the Mount Holly Police Department (MHPD). However, Jeep participants should arrive at MHPD for the lineup at 8:00 am.

Come Saturday, Jeeps from all over will line the streets of Gaston County in the fully escorted memorial procession. Jeepers from as far as Virginia and Tennessee will be in attendance.

Around 300 Jeeps will drive on a route from Mount Holly through Kings Mountain before finishing in Belmont. Kristie Turner is an admin for Just Jeepin’ 4-A Cause. 

She said this year the route is sentimental, as Kings Mountain is where Officer Herndon grew up. The new route will highlight some of his childhood memories.

“Kings Mountain is Tyler’s stomping ground. So where he went to high school, it’s where his parents live. It’s going to go by all of his places that he grew up at,” said Turner.

By extending the ride through Kings Mountain, Officer Herndon’s childhood community will have the opportunity to witness this event. They can commemorate him alongside his family, the officers in attendance and the Jeepers. 

This event is put on alongside the Tyler Herndon Memorial Foundation. Founded by Officer Herndon’s family, this organization aims to help high school students pursue careers in law enforcement through scholarship support.

Officer Herndon saw the importance of education. It is one of the reasons why his family decided to start the foundation. They keep his memory alive by exemplifying his passion for education and his career.

“As a group, we did not have the opportunity to meet Tyler; we’ve gotten close to his parents, Mark and Debbie and it’s been an honor and a pleasure to grow with their group and to be able to stand beside them and love on them as they bring their foundation to help future law enforcement officers,” said Turner.

Officer Herndon’s family gets the opportunity to ride in their son’s police vehicle during the Jeep ride. They have come to look forward to this event every year. 

“This is our fourth year and they’ve been in the car. So it’s kind of a tear-jerker for many of us to see them in his car,” said Turner.

The Jeep ride has become a symbolic gesture of solidarity with the Herndon family and a display of support for local law enforcement. Turner said Jeepers unite together for a good cause. This cause in particular touches many people’s hearts. 

According to the Tyler Herndon Foundation website, Officer Herndon was loyal and kind. He loved music, his family and his job, where he knew he made a positive impact on his community.

This event is an emotional time for many participants and onlookers. Officer Herndon’s death rocked the Mount Holly community and the Jeep ride stands as a reminder. However, Turner said it is an important reminder. 

She emphasized the importance of the event, as it acknowledges law enforcement officers’ sacrifices. It also shows officers’ families that they have a community behind them, supporting them no matter what.

“They go out there, their loved one leaves them every morning or every evening and they don’t know if they’re going to come back and they don’t know what life could be if something happened,” said Turner. 

Just Jeepin’ 4-A Cause has helped the Mount Holly community honor their officers and officers’ families. While tragic, Officer Herndon’s memorial is a celebration and appreciation of his life and the dedicated efforts of his fellow officers.

Participation in the Jeep ride requires a $10 donation per Jeep, with all proceeds directly benefiting the Tyler Herndon Foundation. There will be t-shirts for sale while limited supplies last. 

After the Jeep ride, there will be a community event hosted at the Catawba Heights Church in Belmont. Vendors, food trucks and various police and fire departments will be present. There will also be a 50/50 raffle that participants can enter.

Community members are encouraged to show their support by joining the Jeep procession and contributing to the cause. The Tyler Herndon Foundation website has a donation link for those wishing to contribute directly.

Turner is excited for Saturday’s festivities. She looks forward to a fun and impactful event that will commemorate a local hero. 

“We wanted to be able to impact the community, to help other people that needed things throughout the community to put a smile on someone’s face,” said Turner.

As the Jeeps parade around Gaston County to honor Officer Herndon, onlookers will recall his passion, commitment, and love for the community. They will also remember his ultimate sacrifice—an all-too-common commitment officers make for the sake of their communities.

Interested in attending? Arrive at the Mount Holly Police Department (400 E Central Ave, Mt Holly, NC 28120) by 8:00 a.m. to join the Jeep procession. 

• $10 to participate! All proceeds benefit the Tyler Herndon Memorial Foundation!

Want to donate to the cause? Visit the Tyler Herndon Memorial Foundation website!

• https://tylerherndonfoundation.org/

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