Ridgecrest Police Department Capt. Justin Dampier– On August 23, 2023, Chief Michael Scott presented a plaque to the president (Matt Shaw) of the Gear Grinders 4WD Club at their monthly dinner to thank them for their recent assistance during our floods. The Gear Grinders volunteered their time and resources (4X4 Vehicles) to shuttle our police officers during this major storm to ensure the Ridgecrest Police Department could make it to any call for service in the flooded areas. The Gear Grinders provided this same service during our last storm in 2008, and the City of Ridgecrest and Ridgecrest Police Department are extremely thankful for this critical service.
The Gear Grinders 4WD Club began as a loose-knit group of 4-wheeling families, calling themselves, at first, the “Indian Wells 4WD Club”. While on an outing in Saline Valley in October of 1971, they decided to become an official club and joined the California Association of 4WD Clubs. They participate in many local community activities and support local service organizations. They have a full range of vehicles in the 4X4 family and use them every chance they get. Their primary goal is to get together with families and friends while having fun seeing new places and visiting old favorites. Guests and new members are always welcome. If you would like to join or would like additional information about the club, please email Matt Shaw at
