RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Rutherford County Jeep Crew has started gearing up for their first year of giving rides in the snow to essential workers.
The group was inspired by Sumner County’s Jeep Crew, which started the practice 10 years ago. Jeep enthusiast Candice Kio was an ER nurse for 20 years and remembers the stress of getting to work in bad weather.
“It’s something you can’t even imagine,” Kio said. “You’re so stressed about the work you actually do, and then are you going to get to work? Are you going to get in trouble? All the stuff.”
Since then, her snow days have become a little more fun. Kio is one of dozens in the Jeep community gearing up to go out Friday and put their hobby to good use.
“Drivers are having a blast, so that’s enough for us,” Kio said. “We’re out playing and we’re giving people rides to work, so it’s fun for everybody.”
Rutherford County’s Jeep Crew is one of several Jeep communities offering rides to essential workers. Ryan Rigney was inspired to bring these efforts to his own backyard.
“We understand that no matter what happens, medical workers have to be at work. They have to be there,” Rigney said. “They have to be there for the people because these people need care — as well as veterinary clinics. We have people that need to take care of the animals as well.”
As of publication, the group is looking for drivers to help give rides Friday. Additionally, they’re looking for anyone who can help organize rides from home and point drivers in the right direction. If you can help or a ride, you can reach out to the group’s Facebook page.
Don’t forget to take the power and reliability of the WKRN Weather Authority with you at all times by downloading the News 2 Storm Tracker app.
