WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. — Zechariah Cartledge isn't old enough to vote, drive, or even see a PG-13 movie, but the 10-year-old is raising money for fallen heroes in a pretty grown-up way.
- 10-year-old Seminole County boy running to support fallen officers
- Zechariah Cartledge running 144 miles — 1 for each fallen officer last year
- He's trying to raise $15,000 to donate to foundation for fallen heroes
Zechariah, of Winter Springs, is running 144 miles — one for each police officer who lost their life in the line of duty last year.
"They do so much for us, and they sacrifice their lives every day," Zechariah said. "This is the least I can do to give back to them, because they are truly amazing people."
Zechariah made a special shirt that he wears while running for the fallen officers. The flag he carries is also a tribute to the officers who have lost their life just this year.
His goal is to raise $15,000 this year so he can donate it to the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which raises money for injured service members and families of first responders who lost their lives in the line of duty.
For Zechariah, he also wants to help injured vets and first responders' living conditions.
"They have a program where they build smart homes for the catastrophically injured service members," Zechariah said. "Most of (the) money will go that so police officer, firefighter, or service member that has been catastrophically injured can have a better life."
When local police stations find out Zechariah is running through their area, officers will park their cars and flash their lights to support him.
"They are just really inspired by what I do, and I am really inspired by what they do," Zechariah said.
Young Zechariah expects to run more than 150 miles this year. He has also decided to run for every officer who loses their life this year.
If you know somebody in your community that you think should be an Everyday Hero, nominate them at http://www.mynews13.com/everydayhero.