In a heartfelt tribute during Christmas week, a young runner completed a one-mile run while carrying a Blue Line Flag to honor fallen Indian River County Sheriff’s Sergeant Terri Jean Sweeting-Mashkow.
The run, organized by the nonprofit Running 4 Heroes Inc., took place in Naples and marked the group’s 2,073rd mile in memory of law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty. The youth runner, identified as Zachary, carried the flag symbolizing support for police as a way to pay respects to Sweeting-Mashkow’s service and sacrifice.
Zachary, based in Illinois, was on vacation in Florida, and before his trip, he indicated a desire to honor a hero or two while down, and members of the Naples Police Department were all in once the conversations began.
Sweeting-Mashkow was a 25-year veteran of the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office who was shot and killed on Nov. 21 while serving an eviction notice in Vero Beach. She was posthumously promoted to the rank of sergeant. The incident also claimed the life of locksmith David Long, who was assisting with the eviction, and Deputy Tino Arizpe was shot but is now recovering.
Running 4 Heroes, founded to support the families of fallen first responders, has held similar runs across the country to keep officers’ memories alive. The organization’s efforts during the holiday season aim to provide comfort to grieving families amid festive times.
Sweeting-Mashkow’s funeral was held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, in Vero Beach. It drew more than 3,000 mourners, including family, friends, law enforcement from across the nation, and dignitaries such as Governor Ron DeSantis.
The community continues to mourn her loss while highlighting acts of remembrance, like Zachary’s run.
