HALL COUNTY, Ga. — One mile at a time, Andrew Collinson has spent the past four years making sure fallen heroes are remembered.
On July 31, that journey came to an end.
Andrew ran his final memorial mile as a youth runner for Running 4 Heroes Inc., closing a chapter that began four years ago and ultimately saw him run 135 miles in honor of men, women and K9 officers who died in the line of duty.
Each mile represented a life. Each was run in remembrance of a public safety hero and the sacrifice they made.
Four years of dedication
Andrew’s first mile honored fallen Firefighter Riley Huiras of the Grand Rapids Volunteer Fire Department in Wisconsin.
Four years later, his final mile brought the journey closer to home.
On his last run in Hall County, Andrew ran in memory of Firefighter/Paramedic Stephen Reeves, a 21-year veteran of Henry County Fire Rescue.
The Hall County Sheriff’s Office has been part of Andrew’s journey, providing a public safety escort for many of his one-mile memorial runs over the years. For deputies who watched him grow along the way, his final run was a fond farewell to a young man whose commitment to honoring fallen first responders earned their respect.
“HCSO has been honored to serve alongside Andrew, acting as part of his public safety escort for many of his one-mile runs,” the sheriff’s office said. “We’re thankful for what he’s done, and we’re thankful for the young man he has become.”
Running for those who can’t
Running 4 Heroes is dedicated to honoring first responders who lose their lives in the line of duty. Its youth runners dedicate individual one-mile runs to fallen law enforcement officers, firefighters and other public safety heroes. Every mile run offers a visible reminder that their sacrifice is not forgotten.
Andrew’s final run came as he prepared to move away from Hall County to another state. But the impact he’s had on the local community remains.
After four years, 135 fallen heroes and 135 miles of remembrance, the Hall County Sheriff’s Office offered Andrew its heartfelt gratitude and a final farewell:
“Godspeed, Andrew.”
RELATED
Don’t miss what everyone in town is talking about.
Join 4,000+ locals and choose our free newsletter covering news, events and the stories shaping our region.
