It was nearly one year ago that 13-year-old Zechariah Cartledge came to Southwest Virginia. The Florida teen ran a mile in honor of a fallen first responder, and also presented a $10,000 grant to Coeburn Police Officer Robert Potter, who was injured in the line of duty.
Zechariah said, "I'm going to be honest, I had a slight thing in my mind, thinking yeah I'm probably going to be able to come back."
Zechariah and his father Chad Cartledge founded the non-profit organization Running 4 Heroes.
While running for that injured first responder last fall, the two met Norton Police Chief James Lane, who had just been injured in a shooting.
"Being able to meet with him and getting to know his story, we knew we wanted to do something for him," said Chad Cartledge
On Friday, the two returned to see Chief Lane.
Chief James Lane says, "It is so wonderful to have them here and they can enjoy the city of Norton festivities for the 4th of July and hopefully relax, and just enjoy what we have to offer here in Southwest Virginia."
Zechariah adds, "being able to have a personal weekend with him, to be able to walk with him and talk with him basically the whole entire weekend, I’m going to learn more about him, he’s going to learn more about me."
On Saturday Chief Lane will be presented with the Running 4 Heroes "injured first responders grant," which totals $10,000.
"I’m so humbled to think about an organization that especially with a 13-year-old young man that is out to help support responders. And again I was humbled to be nominated and humbled to receive this award," said Lane.
Zechariah says, "being able to see the emotions on his face, be able to see him again, this time to give a check to him himself. It’s going to be a great weekend.