On Saturday, October 14, 2023, the Tampa Police Department will host the 29th Annual Tampa Police Memorial 5K/1-Mile Run-Walk. Mayor Jane Castor, Chief Lee Bercaw, and the Tampa Police Department invite the public to gather in Lykes Gaslight Park for an event that honors fallen officers and celebrates the spirit of community.
“It is important for us all to remember and honor those who have sacrificed their lives in the ultimate act of public service,” said Chief Bercaw. “This event brings us together to remember those who have given their lives to ensure the safety of our community and provides us with an opportunity to celebrate our shared commitment to safety.”
The 5K run will begin at 8 a.m., followed by a 1-mile fun run/walk at 9 a.m. This year, brothers Koda and Sauter Sciuto will sing the National Anthem to lead into the start of the race, accompanied by their father Brandon. The Sciuto brothers are both boxers with the Tampa Police Athletic League.
Thirty-two Tampa Police Officers will run together in memory of each of the Tampa Police Department’s 32 fallen officers. Each officer will carry an armband with the name of a Tampa Police Officer who made the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of their duties.
They will be joined by 14-year-old Zechariah Cartledge, founder of Running 4 Heroes Inc., who will serve as an honorary flag bearer for this special occasion. Zechariah’s commitment to honoring fallen heroes led to the creation of the Running 4 Heroes 501(c)(3) in 2019, which sets out to honor every First Responder lost in the line of duty as well as support First Responders who have suffered duty-related injuries. For details on Zechariah’s foundation, visit www.running4heroes.org.
The event will also feature several exciting activities for all participants including food, music, door prizes, give-a-ways, and refreshments; a flyover by Tampa Police Helicopters; and a rappelling demonstration by members of the TPD SWAT Team who will unfurl an American flag beginning from the roof of TPD Headquarters.
Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the Police Museum, Memorial Scholarship Program, charitable donations, and improvements to the Tampa Police Memorial Monument. Registration will be accepted in front of the Tampa Police Museum on Friday, October 13 and Saturday October 14.