Chattanooga Celebrates New Book Release Honoring First Responders and Their Families

Chattanooga Welcomes New Book Release Honoring First Responders

In the vibrant city of Chattanooga, there’s a heartwarming wave of excitement as local author Jen Jeffrey Billington has just launched her tenth book, titled “Honoring the Fallen—A Father’s Story.” Co-authored with Chad Cartledge of Running 4 Heroes, this book presents an inspiring true story that is already making waves in the literary world, quickly climbing the charts to become #1 in New Releases under the Non-profit category and #2 in Best-sellers on Amazon.

The Journey of a Young Hero

At the heart of this remarkable story is Zechariah Cartledge, the son of Chad Cartledge, who, at just 10 years old, took a bold step to honor those who serve diligently and valiantly in our communities. In 2019, Zechariah founded the non-profit organization, Running 4 Heroes, after witnessing the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers and firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty. His efforts gained national recognition when he was featured in an interview on Fox News with Steve Doocy.

Driven by an undeniable passion, Zechariah made it his mission to run a mile for each fallen hero, carrying a blue line or red line flag during his runs. These heartfelt tributes didn’t stop there; he personally sends these flags to the bereaved families of the heroes, ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten. Beyond running, he has also made significant efforts to raise funds to support families affected by these tragic losses and injured first responders.

A Passionate Author with a Cause

Jen Jeffrey Billington isn’t just an author; she’s also deeply committed to supporting law enforcement, as she has family members who serve in the field as well. Throughout her writing career, she has penned various works, including a collection of poetry, a devotional, and even a children’s book series, Pengdom Living, which she co-writes with her husband, Jason. This series focuses on stories for children and adults with special needs and includes two storybooks and two joke books.

As Zechariah approaches 16, he plans to retire from his role as a Youth Runner at the end of this year, leaving behind a legacy adopted by many. The book “Honoring the Fallen—A Father’s Story” not only explores Zechariah’s journey but also provides insights into the lives of the surviving family members and a law enforcement officer who received support from the Running 4 Heroes initiative.

Giving Back and Looking Forward

In a beautiful gesture of solidarity, Ms. Billington and Mr. Cartledge have announced that a percentage of the royalties from the book will be donated back to the Running 4 Heroes organization, ensuring that the mission continues to thrive and support those in need.

For those interested in getting their hands on this touching book, it’s available now at Amazon Books online. Furthermore, Ms. Billington is in the works of planning a book signing event in Chattanooga soon, making it a fantastic opportunity for her local fans to meet her and celebrate this meaningful journey together.

A Community Event to Remember

As Chattanooga continues to thrive as a hub of creativity and solidarity, local events are also underway, such as the upcoming Oktoberfest this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Red Bank City Park. This festive atmosphere will offer delicious food trucks, local art, and live entertainment, encapsulating the lively spirit of the community.

So, mark your calendars and prepare to be inspired by Jen Jeffrey Billington’s latest work that aims to uplift our heroes and remind us of the importance of supporting our first responders every step of the way!