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Florida boy plans to run one mile in honor of fallen Bell County Deputy

Posted at 4:19 PM, Apr 26, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-26 17:25:59-04

A Florida boy is planning to run a mile carrying the blue line flag in honor of fallen Bell County Deputy John Rhoden, who was killed during a stolen vehicle pursuit last night.

Zechariah Cartledge announced that he would be running Sunday night at 7:30 p.m. CST carrying the blue line flag in honor of Rhoden.

Zechariah announces all his runs on the nonprofit organization Facebook page Running 4 Heroes.

On April 26, Deputy John Andrew Rhoden was part of a team assisting Williamson County Sheriffs during a stolen vehicle pursuit around 1:40 a.m. on I-35.

While Deputy Rhoden was attempting to lay spike strips on the interstate in Temple he was hit by an 18-wheeler and killed.

Temple Police say Rhoden was struck by an 18-wheeler while attempting to lay spike strips near Exit 294 of northbound I-35.

Rhoden was 31 years old and had served with the Bell County Sheriffs department for 10 years.

The purpose of the Running 4 Heroes nonprofit is to raise funds for injured first responders while paying tribute to fallen heroes through running.

Due to COVID-19, Zechariah says he may not have anyone joining him for his runs, including local First Responders.

Zechariah is able to continue with his mission as outdoor exercising is allowable per Florida statues regarding the stay-at-home order so long as social distancing measures are followed.

Running 4 Heroes says anyone who does join will be required to remain in their vehicles for the safety and protection of Zechariah and everyone else.

"We encourage citizens and agencies from across the nation join our son tonight in a 1-mile walk or run at 8:30PM ET (5:30PM PT) to help honor this fallen hero," the post said. "Please be sure to adhere to local and federal government regulations regarding social distancing."

Zechariah previously ran one mile in honor of Falls County Deputy Matt Jones, who was killed while assisting another vehicle in 2019.

For more information on Running 4 Heroes, and how to help, click here.