Acts of kindness, valor, and compassion have always held a special place in my heart. So when hearing about a 10-year-old Florida boy and his combination of all three, my heart was deeply moved. Zechariah Cartledge has made it his own personal mission to support police officers and fallen heros. How? He has committed to running one mile for every fallen hero, and donating a dollar for every mile as well.  

“I really just wanted to honor police officers because they do so much for us in the community and the hate that they’re getting is just really unacceptable because they do so much for us and when I hear an officer pass away it just breaks my heart,” Zechariah stated.

Zechariah’s goal was to raise $100 for every fallen officer, with a grand total of $15,000, but instead, he raised over $20,000 as of Monday, March 4. When hearing of this boys fierce determination, I was almost moved to tears that one so young could feel such conviction. Even if his parents or a mentor gave him the idea, he still had the motivation and the tenacity to continue strong.