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Continued from Previous Page Last November, Runner’s World Magazine interviewed Zechariah after he had completed a three-mile run to honor Mark Natale, Harry Valentin, and William Farley. All three were former New York City officers that had died from cancer after working Ground Zero after 911. “I want to make sure these officers are never forgotten.” Cartledge said. Cartledge started running in first grade when he joined his elementary school’s cross-country team. Since then, he has hopped into local 5Ks almost every weekend. While he runs for fun, over the past couple of years, his runs have taken on a deeper meaning. In 2018, Cartledge competed in a race that changed his life. He ran the 2018 Tunnel to Towers 5K in Orlando, Florida, which honored the sacrifices made by first responders and members of the military. During the race, Cartledge was handed a name tag for Walwyn Stuart, an officer who was killed while attempting to save victims in In 2019, Cartledge and his family started the Running 4 Heroes nonprofit, which raises awareness and funds for the families of first responders killed in the line of duty. On the organization’s website, donations can be made toward the purchase of an American flag, which Cartledge carries while he runs and presents to the family of the first responder being honored. “The thing that motivates me during the run when I’m getting cramps and feel like I have to slow down is the families that cer John Cebulski, one of the first responders involved in the Henry Pratt Co. Mass shooting. On Sunday January 26, 2020 Cartledge awarded Cebulski with his organization’s First Responder grant as a gesture of gratitude. “It’s really a blessing that he’s here,” Cartledge said. “The fact that he went into the building to try to stop the shooter makes him a true hero.” Cebulski, a 31- year veteran of the Aurora Police Department, was among the first officers to arrive on the scene of the Henry Pratt Co. mass shooting of the other officers who came to respond to the incident, many people were saved,” Cartledge said, as he presented the officer with a ,000 grant to help pay his medical bills. Aurora Police Cmdr. Keith Cross recognized the youngster’s commitment, selflessness and dedication to “a cause bigger than himself,” referring to him as a “shining example to other young people.” “It is the things like this that has helped us bounce back, and get back to a sense of normalcy, and go out and serve the citizens of Aurora,” the police commander said. “It’s an incredible feeling to know that someone of his age is shining a small light on police officers. We don’t do this work for thanks or accolades,” added Aurora Police Officer Chris Weaver who was Cebulski’s partner on the day of the shooting. Cartledge said, “Most every kid these days is obsessed with video games. I like video games, but I enjoy doing this a lot more. I like being part of what is good in the world.” In total, Cartledge ran 376 the World Trade Center on 9/11. The experience of running for Stuart with other first responders by his side in the race inspired Cartledge to dedicate are watching,” he said. “What I’m thinking in my mind is that the quicker I go, the faster they’ll heal. And that inspires me to keep up the pace—to go year, Cartledge had consistently completed a dedication run every four to six days to honor deceased officers listed on the Officer Down Memorial Page. He hopes to start a Running 4 Heroes 5K in every state. “I just want them [first responders] to know they are the reason why I started this on Feb. 15. A disgruntled worker killed five employees and wounded five police officers and a worker. miles in 2019 and about 34 so far in 2020. To support Running4 Hereos just click on the logo below. more of his runs to fallen officers. “During the Tunnel to Towers run, all of these first responders, police officers, and firefighters were running in their full gear, and that just touched me,” Cartledge said. as fast as I can.” His first run in 2019 took place in January, when he ran for Officer Natalie Corona of the Davis Police Department in California, who was tragically shot during a routine call at age 22. For the rest of the The families of the first responders as well as police officers often give him patches, pins, and cards for his initiative. Some even join Cartledge on his runs while he carries a thin blue line flag, which honors law enforcement. mission,” Cartledge said. “They are a big inspiration to me and they’re true heroes.” This year, Cartledge expanded his mission to raise donations for first responders injured in the line of duty. On the top of his list was Aurora Police Offi- “The sacrifices you and the other officers made in the Henry Pratt shooting were truly incredible,” Cartledge said at a news conference at the Aurora Police Department headquarters. “With the help of you and all 34 The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE 35 The The BLUES BLUES POLICE POLICE MAGAZINE MAGAZINE 35
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