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10-year-old boy runs mile in honor of fallen Falls County deputy

Posted at 6:35 AM, Oct 14, 2019
and last updated 2019-10-14 23:58:48-04

FALLS COUNTY, TX — A 10-year-old Florida boy ran one mile in honor of Falls County Deputy Matt Jones, who was killed while assisting another vehicle Friday.

Zechariah Cartledge announced on Oct. 12 that he would be running Sunday night carrying the blue line flag in honor of Jones.

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

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

"Every mile is different, you know he may be running the same track but this time is for a different family a different community," said Zechariah's father, Chad Cartledge.

This year alone Zechariah has run over 260 miles, and hopes for the day when he won't have anymore.

"Officers, firefighters, any first responder, I want them to know they are amazing people and want them to know that this is why i started this mission," said Zechariah.

DPS said K9 Deputy Matt Jones and Riesel Police Chief Danny Krumnow were assisting another vehicle when a Mazda hydroplaned and hit the two on Highway 6 near County Road 109.

K9 Deputy Jones was killed in the crash.

Chief Krumnow was transported to Baylor Scott and White and was taken into surgery. He suffered a dislocated knee, 8 to 9 broken ribs, and a lacerated spleen.

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