Welcome to Tennessee, Zechariah!
Agencies from all across Tennessee were on hand to welcome Zechariah and his family this morning at McGhee Tyson Airport. It was a heartwarming and emotional meeting for two Knox County Survivors as they were introduced to Zechariah. Knox County Sheriff’s Office, Chief Deputy Bernie Lyon lost his brother, Assistant Chief Keith Lyon in the line of duty on 5/9/2006. Zechariah was presented a challenge coin made in Assistant Chief Lyon’s memory by Chief Deputy Lyon, and Jill Keiser, widow of Knox County Sheriff’s Office Warrants Officer Toby Keiser who passed away on 1/18/2021.
Zechariah was able to spend the day being a kid, enjoying time with his parents and sister. However, it’s back to work for this young hero tomorrow morning. He will begin by presenting check to grant recipient, Deputy Coble followed by presentation of a flag to Warrants Officer Keiser’s widow, Jill. Afterwards, he will make a couple of stops then prepare for the trip to Bristol Motor Speedway. Once at Bristol Motor Speedway, Zechariah will run a mile in memory of ALL Officers who have passed away in the line of duty in Tennessee from 2018-2021.
Zechariah’s foundation, Running 4 Heroes officially became a non-profit 501(C) (3). Zechariah runs one mile for every First Responder who makes the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
“Zechariah Cartledge truly is an amazing 11 year old young man, we consider ourselves blessed to have him and his amazing family in Knox County. The world needs more Zechariah’s.”
-Tom Spangler, Sheriff
