KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A 13-year-old New Jersey girl will honor fallen Blount County Deputy Greg McCowan on Thursday night by running one mile.
Morgan Blann has been running for deputies since she was a little girl and has completed more than 60 runs.
"Ever since I was 6 years old, I've had a passion to be a canine officer when I'm older," Blann said.
Blann volunteered with the non-profit Running 4 Heroes, which has someone run a mile with a flag after a first responder loses their life in the line of duty. The non-profit will then send the flag with a handwritten note to the first responder's family or agency.
"I think that this organization is truly an amazing thing," Blann said. "I'm so glad to be able to be into this team and to help out these families. I know it means so much to them and I've been lucky enough to have in-person encounters with them. They just express their love so much for it and it means the world to me to be able to help them."
Zechariah Cartledge started the non-profit after he was encouraged by the mission and vision of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Running 4 Heroes also donated $2,000 to Blount County Sheriff's Office Deputy Shelby Eggars, who was shot in the leg and is now recovering at home.
"I just want them to know that I as well as my entire family, and our communities are always here with them. And you know, we'll always be there to help them out through any times that they need help," Blann said.