Florida Boy Honors Fallen Officers by Running

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody today presented her first Back the Blue Award to Zechariah Cartledge, a 10-year-old boy from Winter Springs, for his outstanding support of law enforcement. Attorney General Moody presented Zechariah a Back the Blue Award at the Florida Cabinet Meeting to commend him for his commitment to honor fallen law enforcement nationwide by running. Attorney General Moody’s Back the Blue campaign highlights Florida’s brave law enforcement officers and Floridians who back them.

Zechariah announced earlier this year that he will run one mile for each officer lost in the line of duty in 2018, amounting to 148 miles. In addition to the miles for 2018 fallen heroes, Zechariah has already committed to running miles for fallen officers in 2019. To date, Zechariah has run 46 miles for fallen officers.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Zechariah’s unique and passionate support for the law enforcement community is admirable. That is why he is the perfect first award recipient for our Back the Blue Campaign. I look forward to following his mission this year and praise him for bringing attention to the ultimate sacrifice these officers made. Thank you, Zechariah, for being such a great role model for all of us as we are reminded of the selfless service of those in law enforcement.”

Zechariah’s progress can be followed on the Facebook page @Running4Heros. On the dedicated Facebook page, Zechariah provides updates on each run and recognizes the fallen officer to voice his support. Zechariah is also raising $15,000 for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports firefighters, the military and all first responders.

For more information on Zechariah’s story, click here.
 
Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Back the Blue campaign highlights law enforcement officers, citizens and organizations taking extraordinary steps to forge positive relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Supporting law enforcement is a top priority for Attorney General Moody and the mission of Back the Blue is to commend Florida’s brave law enforcement officers and Floridians who back them.