32 Tampa Police Officers Run In Honor Of Tampa's 32 Fallen Officers

TAMPA, FL — On Saturday, the Tampa Police Department hosted its 29th annual Tampa Police Memorial 5K/1-Mile Run-Walk.

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw and the Tampa Police Department gathered in Lykes Gaslight Park for the 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 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."

This year, brothers Koda and Sauter Sciuto sang the national anthem to start the race, accompanied by their father, Brandon. The Sciuto brothers are both boxers with the Tampa Police Athletic League.

Thirty-two Tampa police officers ran together in memory of each of the Tampa Police Department's 32 fallen officers. Each officer carried an armband with the name of a Tampa police officer who made the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of his or her duties.

Among them were Deputy Chief Ruth Cate, who is also president of the Tampa Police Memorial Committee, and Maj. Eric DeFelice, who ran in honor of Master Police Officer Jesse Madsen.

Officer Austin Vogel and Officer Joseph Henderson, who became Tampa police officers on July 24, participated in their first "Run for 32."

They were joined by 14-year-old Zechariah Cartledge, founder of Running4Heroes Inc., who served 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.

The event also featured a flyover by Tampa police helicopters and a rappelling demonstration by members of the TPD SWAT Team which unfurled an American flag beginning from the roof of Tampa Police Department Headquarters.

Proceeds from this year's event benefited the Police Museum, Memorial Scholarship Program, charitable donations and improvements to the Tampa Police Memorial Monument.