JOPLIN, Mo. — Saturday evening the Joplin Police and Joplin Fire competed in a fundraising basketball match, 5th Annual Guns vs Hoses.
Beforehand ‘Running 4 Heroes’ organization was in Joplin to conduct a memorial run to honor recently fallen Joplin Police Officers.
“Zechariah is an amazing young man and he runs 1 mile for each first responder that falls in the line of duty,” Joplin Police state. The run began about 4:30 p.m.
Zechariah Cartledge was born with the gift of running. He was raised with an appreciation for First Responders and all they do for the community. As he grew older, Zechariah decided to help the families of our fallen First Responders in a meaningful way. Encouraged by the mission and vision of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Zechariah began his journey raising funds for those families by running.
“In 2019, Running 4 Heroes officially became a non-profit 501(c)(3). Zechariah runs one mile for every First Responder who makes the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. He wants to honor those who gave up their life so we may live in a better world,” states Running 4 Heroes on their website.
Joplin Police and Joplin Fire welcomed Running 4 Heroes, including Ofc Rick Hirshey who was injured in a March 8, 2022, shooting with a now-deceased subject.
‘Running 4 Heroes’ entourage landed in Springfield they met with Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper Colten Beck, who was shot in the face by a fleeing suspect in Greene County. Troop D shares a photo of Zechariah presenting a check. MSHP state, “Tpr. Beck recently returned to full duty and we’re glad he’s back!”
‘Running 4 Heroes’ Zechariah and his father spent time with everyone at the Guns and Hoses event at Joplin High School.
Joplin Police state, “We appreciate all the public support.”