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SPENCER – The founder of Running 4 Heroes Zechariah Cartledge came to Spencer Saturday evening to run a mile to honor Deputy James A. Driver who died in an auto accident responding to an emergency.
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Zechariah Cartledge, traveled from Florida, to honor the memory of Deputy Driver.
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“I deliver checks in the amount of $10,000 to injured first responders. I have run a total of 894 miles over the past two years and raised over $126,000 to recipients across the nation,” said Cartledge.
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“At about eight years of age, I became inspired about first responders and did community runs for them. I had a lot of friends whose mom and dads were doctors, firefighters, or police officers. That touched me to start doing something that I love – to help the people that I love,” Cartledge added.
“I have been running for fallen first responders, and I became a non-profit last year,” Cartledge added. I also started first responder grants last year in January.
To support his cause you can go to his Facebook page.
You can also apply for a first responder grant award of $10,000. A grant is awarded every month.
The event itself was organized by Sarah Hicks who’s husband was a retired military police officer.
“We are thankful to the first responders and their service,” said Hicks who was pleased with the turnout for the event.
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Deputy Driver’s family joined local first responders from police, fire, and community members in the 5K Run Saturday that started at the Owen County Fairgrounds and ended at the Spencer-Owen Elementary School.
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Once arriving at the Spencer-Owen Elementary School a 21 second moment of silence was taken to honor officer Driver.
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A prayer was said for the Driver family as well as for the protection of first responders in attendance and the many more who risk their lives on a daily basis.
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The family presented a flag to his daughter Beau Woodruff while Drivers’ mother from England watched via Facebook Live.
A $1,500 Scholarship in the name of James D. Driver will be awarded to an Owen-Valley High School student who is a child of a first responder or military personnel and pursues a career in those fields.
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Driver’s daughter LilyAnne Marie Driver was presented a $1,500 scholarship Saturday evening in the name of her father.
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The death of Driver was still fresh in the minds of those in attendance but Driver was honored among family and friends. Driver called Spencer his home – may his legacy of public service live on in Owen County.