After receiving his late father’s patrol car, Tanner Brownlee shared that he drives it daily, describing the experience as deeply sentimental. He believes his story resonates with people because of its uplifting nature.
“When people see it, it makes them happy or gives them a feeling they don’t always get from the news,” he said. “I love that it’s around Christmas time—people are still watching it, thinking, ‘Hey, this is a good story for the season.’”
Brownlee expressed immense gratitude to rancher Steve Wells, who purchased the car and generously gave it to him. Originally, Wells intended to donate the vehicle to a women’s shelter, but after learning about Brownlee’s story, he changed his mind.
“He told me he was planning to buy it for the shelter, but when his son told him about me, he decided, ‘I’m getting the car for him instead,’” Brownlee recalled. “For Steve Wells to spend that kind of money on someone he didn’t even know—a random 19-year-old at the time—that’s just incredible.”
Driving the car, Brownlee often encounters strangers who recognize him. “I’ll be out somewhere, and people will say, ‘Hey, Tanner,’” he said. “It’s a little weird that so many people know my face.”
Having lost and then regained the car, Brownlee is determined to keep it in his family forever. “I want to pass it down to my kids—if I have any,” he said. “It’s something I want to keep for generations.”
