Florida boy runs in honor of off-duty officer killed in Wisconsin

KTRK logo
Thursday, June 20, 2019
Florida boy runs in honor of Racine Officer John Hetland
Zechariah Cartledge is on a mission to pay tribute to officers who made the ultimate sacrifice by running a mile for each fallen officer.

WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. -- The Racine, Wis., police officer killed Monday while trying to fend off an armed robber at a bar was honored in Florida.



Officers in Winter Springs joined 10-year-old Zechariah Cartledge on a run to remember John Hetland.



Cartledge is on a mission to pay tribute to officers and firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice. Carrying a flag, Cartledge is running one mile for each of those killed in the line of duty.



On Wednesday, Cartledge ran for Officer Hetland.



Hetland was off-duty and died while trying to stop a robbery in Teezers Tavern Monday night.



Police said Hetland was shot by an armed, masked gunman, who he confronted at a bar.



The suspect is still on the loose. There is a $25,000 reward for anyone with information leading to the shooter's arrest.

Copyright © 2025 KTRK-TV. All Rights Reserved.