Every car community has its own traditions, but Jeep owners have one that’s instantly recognizable once you’re in the club.
According to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, that tradition was on full display at the CMN Jeep Show at Walmart in Palm Coast, where rows of customized Jeeps lined the parking lot, and enthusiasts gathered to admire everything from lifted Wranglers to heavily personalized Gladiators.
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly stopped by to check out the local builds and show off the agency’s own crime-fighting Jeep Gladiator, Spartan. Before long, he wasn’t just looking at Jeeps—he was taking part in one of the community’s best-known traditions.
Instead of leaving with only photos of the event, many Jeep owners also found a sheriff-themed rubber duck waiting on their vehicle, courtesy of Staly himself, a gesture that tied directly into the tradition.
The Jeep Tradition That Keeps Growing
For Jeep owners, finding a rubber duck on their vehicle isn’t random—it’s a compliment.
Known as Duck, Duck, Jeep, the tradition encourages owners to leave a small rubber duck on another Jeep they admire. Sometimes the ducks include a note or social media tag, but the idea is simple: spread a little kindness and celebrate another enthusiast’s ride.
What started as a small gesture has grown into a worldwide movement, with many Jeep owners collecting the ducks they’ve received on their dashboards.
Sheriff Staly Adds His Own Spin
Rather than handing out ordinary ducks, Sheriff Staly brought sheriff-inspired versions to the Palm Coast event, continuing the tradition with his own twist.
But Sheriff Staly put his own law enforcement spin on the tradition. He handed out custom sheriff-themed ducks featuring his name and the message “See Something, Say Something,” turning the collectible keepsakes into a lighthearted reminder to help keep the community safe.
As he walked through the show, he met Jeep owners, admired customized builds, and “ducked” vehicles throughout the parking lot, putting a law enforcement twist on one of Jeep culture’s favorite customs.
The sheriff also showcased the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Jeep Gladiator, Spartan, a vehicle the agency frequently brings to community events and outreach programs.
More Than Just Modified Jeeps
While custom vehicles drew plenty of attention, the event highlighted something longtime Jeep owners often say separates the brand from many other enthusiast groups: the community.
Owners spent the day swapping stories, comparing modifications, and welcoming newcomers to a hobby that’s as much about friendships as it is about four-wheel-drive capability.
For many attendees, the custom builds may have turned heads, but the unexpected rubber duck left behind made the biggest impression.
Why Rubber Ducks?
The Duck, Duck, Jeep movement began as a simple act of kindness between Jeep owners and has since become one of the brand’s most recognizable traditions.
Whether it’s a stock Wrangler, a lifted Gladiator, or a trail-ready Cherokee, finding a duck on your Jeep usually means someone appreciated your ride.
And judging by the smiles in Palm Coast, Sheriff Staly made sure plenty of owners drove home with one more addition to their dashboards, carrying the tradition with them.