Britt Leoni
•8/18/2026
When you meet Spencer Crutchley, you can't help but notice his car. "I started with a standard bug. I chopped it down seven-and-a-half inches, extended it nine inches, and put the suicide doors on it," said Crutchley. For the past six years, Crutchley's built this bug with badges. It's a project meant to honor men and women who are everyday heroes. "We're not just talking law enforcement or fire department. We're talking nurses. We're talking EMS, dispatchers, military. They're all on the front lines helping, and they don't get as much appreciation as they should," said Crutchley. This year, Crutchley's taking his car on what he calls a "Thank Our First Responders" tour. He's towing his bug across the state to be signed by all 67 of Florida's sheriffs. "That's something I really enjoy is just seeing their reaction. Some of them want to hop in it, and they're like, I don't think I can fit in it," said Crutchley. Not only is Crutchley asking Sheriffs to sign the car... He's asking those first responders who are often overlooked. "You really don't know who they are until they're involved in your life," said Crutchley. Fifteen years ago, when Crutchley lost his brother-in-law, Deputy Scott Wheeler, in a motorcycle accident, it was the Cape Coral Victims' Advocates who made all the difference. "They come at the worst time of your life, but they are there until you don't need their services anymore, and like you said, they are family now," Crutchley said. As Crutchley continues to add to his collection, he's making sure the people who stand behind others in their darkest times are recognized for their service. "I tell them I can't thank them enough, and they know," said Crutchley. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment, and original programming on your TV.
