Honoring Our Heroes: The 2026 Deen-Tate End of Watch Memorial Ride

At Custom Truck Concepts, we believe in more than just building the toughest trucks and Jeeps in the Pine Belt; we believe in supporting the community that makes our work possible. On May 9, 2026, we invite you to join us for a day of remembrance, unity, and local pride at the 2026 Deen-Tate End of Watch Memorial Ride.

This annual event serves as a powerful tribute to Hattiesburg Police Department Officers Benjamin J. Deen and Liquori Tate, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty on May 9, 2015. Now a decade later, the Hattiesburg community continues to come together to ensure their legacy of service is never forgotten.

Event Details: What You Need to Know

The ride brings together motorcycle enthusiasts and Jeep owners from across Mississippi to raise funds for the Deen-Tate Scholarship Fund, managed by the Pinebelt Community Foundation. This fund provides vital educational support to the family members of law enforcement officers in our region.

1. Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026
2. Registration Opens: 8:00 AM
3. Kickstands Up / Engines Start: 10:00 AM
4. Starting Point: Hattiesburg Cycles (6412 US Highway 49)
5. The Route: A scenic, 51-mile escorted ride through the heart of the Pine Belt, concluding with a memorial ceremony.

Why We Ride: Supporting the Blue

For many of our customers, their custom Jeeps and motorcycles are more than just vehicles, they are a way to build a sense of community. Seeing a convoy of Broncos, Wranglers, and motorcycles lined up to honor our fallen officers is a testament to the strength of the Hattiesburg community.

Whether you’re driving a custom Jeep Wrangler you’ve personalized at our shop or a motorcycle built for the backroads, this event is the perfect opportunity to use your rig for a great cause.

Getting Your Rig Ready for the Ride

Safety is the top priority for any escorted ride. Before you head to the starting line, our technicians recommend a quick check-up to ensure your vehicle is road-ready:

1. Fuel Up: Arrive with a full tank of gas to ensure the convoy stays together.
2. Check Your Lighting: Ensure all LED light bars or auxiliary lighting are functioning correctly for visibility.
3. Tire Pressure: If you’re running large Nitto or Fuel Off-Road tires, verify your PSI is set for highway cruising rather than the trail.

Join Custom Truck Concepts in the Pine Belt

Custom Truck Concepts is proud to be a part of the Hattiesburg area, serving neighbors from Petal, Oak Grove, and beyond. We are honored to stand alongside our local law enforcement and first responders.

If you are planning to participate in the Jeep/Bronco portion of the memorial ride, we’d love to see your build! Stop by our shop on Highway 49 before the event to grab any last-minute parts or accessories to show your support.

Let’s ride together to keep the memory of Officers Deen and Tate alive. For more information on registration or to donate directly to the scholarship fund, visit the Pinebelt Community Foundation.