10-Year-Old Boy Runs in Honor of Fallen CNY First Responder

Zechariah Cartledge is one impressive young man. At just 10 years old, he's made it his mission to run one mile in honor of each first responder lost in the line of duty in 2018 and 2019.

All the way from Florida, Cartledge honored Cayuga County Sheriff's Office Undersheriff Stephen B. McLoud on Monday, who passed away August 29 at 59 years old from cancer he developed as a result of his help in the 9/11 search-and-rescue efforts. McLoud worked for the Cayuga County Sheriff's Office for 23 years and was a firefighter with the Weedsport Fire Department for 20 years.

Cartledge said a prayer before he set off on his one-mile run, carrying a blue line flag that will be sent to McLoud's family. Members of Cartledge's local departments alongside him, and he was accompanied by police sirens and bagpipes. The Cayuga County Sheriff's Office held a run in McLoud's honor in Weedsport, New York at the same time as Cartledge's run.

Cartledge's run is a part of his mission, called Running 4 Heroes, to not only honor fallen first responders, but to also raise $50,000 for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. You can find more information on the fundraiser and donate here.

Cartledge will be doing a special run on September 11 with an American flag to honor those lost 18 years ago. Stay up to date with his efforts and runs on the Running 4 Heroes Facebook page.